A spectacular celestial event is about to unfold in the night sky.
For the first time since the Middle Ages, we might witness a nova explosion of T Coronae Borealis (T CrB), also known as the Blaze Star.
This incredible phenomenon was likely first recorded in 1217.
A Binary Star System
T CrB is a binary star system, consisting of a white dwarf and a red giant, located 3,000 light-years from Earth.
Normally, these stars are invisible without a telescope.
However, every 80 years or so, the white dwarf’s gravity pulls enough material from the red giant to create a dramatic explosion, known as a nova.
The Nova Process Explained
NASA explains that as the red giant loses its outer layers, the white dwarf accumulates this material.
Eventually, the white dwarf’s surface heats up enough to trigger a thermonuclear explosion, causing the nova we can see from Earth.
Historical Observations
This extraordinary event was previously observed in 1866 and 1946, when the system brightened significantly, becoming visible to the naked eye and nearly as bright as Polaris, the North Star.
Additionally, in December 1787, Reverend Francis Wollaston documented a bright star in the position of T CrB, which likely was another nova eruption.
You might also like: NASA Addresses Concerns Over 2007 FT3 Asteroid Impact in 2024
Medieval Accounts
Even more fascinating, we might have an older account from 13th-century Bavaria.
In 1217, Abbott Burchard of Upsberg described a bright star in the Corona Borealis constellation that shone brightly for many days.
This description fits the characteristics of a nova and is likely the Blaze Star.
Scientific Support for Medieval Observations
Bradley Schaefer, Professor Emeritus at Louisiana State University, supports this theory.
He explains that Burchard’s description matches a nova, and no other astronomical events at that time fit the account.
Signs of an Upcoming Nova
Before these explosive events, T CrB experiences a noticeable increase in brightness, followed by a slight dimming.
This pattern has begun again, starting in March/April 2023.
According to the American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO), this indicates that the next nova eruption could occur between now and the end of September 2024.
How to Witness This Event
Keep an eye on the constellation Corona Borealis over the next few months.
Tip: Use a stargazing app like SkySafari 7 or Night Sky 11. If you truly love watching the stars, you might consider getting a Gskyer Telescope for optimal viewing.
Corona Borealis is between the Boötes and Hercules constellations.
Follow the curve of the handle of the Big Dipper—now high in the northern sky after dark—to a bright star called Arcturus.
Now find another bright star, Vega, above the east but lower in the sky than Arcturus.
Corona Borealis is between the two. T CrB is just outside the crescent of seven stars in Corona Borealis.
This could be your chance to witness a once-in-a-lifetime event, just as astronomers did back in 1217.
If you miss it, don’t worry; you can still look forward to seeing Comet C/2023 A3 in the coming months.