“Prepare to be Star-Struck: ‘Blaze Star’ Lights Up the Night Sky for the First Time in Decades!”

A star in the night sky of the Northern Hemisphere is set to become 1,000 times more luminous than normal and will be detectable by the unaided eye for the first time since 1946.

Known as T Coronae Borealis (also referred to as T CrB, T Cor Bor, and the “Blaze Star,”) it is a recurrent nova (a star that repeatedly undergoes nova outbursts) produced by a white dwarf in its orbit that erupts almost predictably every 80 years or so.

Nevertheless, it will only radiate intensely for a brief duration — possibly just a few weeks — before returning to a state where only those with a significant backyard telescope will be able to observe it.

Where Is T Cor Bor?

T CrB is currently emitting light at a magnitude of 10 — far too faint to be detected without assistance — within the constellation Corona Borealis, commonly known as the Northern Crown. This arc of seven stars can be located between the Boötes and Hercules constellations. When it explodes — which is almost certainly expected to happen during 2025 —it will likely shine much brighter at around magnitude +2, similar to Polaris, the North Star.

To prepare for the nova, familiarize yourself with the Corona Borealis constellation. Go outdoors around 3 a.m. local time and search for the Big Dipper in the northeastern sky. Trace the curve of its handle downward to the northeastern horizon, and you will see the small but unmistakable crescent of Corona Borealis (it cannot be seen from the Southern Hemisphere).

When Will T Cor Bor Explode?

Astronomers have forecasted that T CrB will erupt between April and September of 2024. This prediction follows its sudden dimming in 2023 after a decade of gradual brightening. It was a similar situation that indicated its last eruption in 1946 and 80 years earlier in 1866.

“In previous nova events of T Coronae Borealis, there was a noticeable pre-outburst decline, and this decline in luminosity has been recorded once more this time,” stated Edward Sion, a professor of astrophysics and planetary science at Villanova University and author of Accreting White Dwarfs, in an email. The star system is approximately 3,000 light-years away from our solar system, so while inhabitants of Earth speculate about the timing of the explosion, we’re merely waiting for the light from events that occurred 3,000 years ago to reach us.

What Is T Cor Bor?

T Coronae Borealis (T CrB) is a binary star system that includes two stars at very distinct phases of their evolutionary paths: a red giant and a white dwarf. The red giant, which is an aging star, is expanding as it approaches the end of its lifespan, shedding envelopes of material into space. Meanwhile, the white dwarf, a stellar remnant that has exhausted its fuel, is gradually cooling. This system attracts the expelled material from the red giant towards the white dwarf’s surface. When enough gathers, it instigates a thermonuclear explosion, resulting in a spectacular surge of energy and luminosity.

Astronomers are aware of the “Blaze Star” due to its previous sudden outbursts. They even know there is typically a decade-long increase in brightness prior to the explosion, preceded by a significant drop in brightness. This 10-year increase was reported in research published in 2023, while the American Association of Variable Star Observers announced T CrB’s pre-eruption dip in April 2024.

It’s important to note that this is a rare celestial phenomenon, but only dedicated stargazers are likely to derive much enjoyment from it.

While it may not possess the same awe-inspiring quality as an eclipse, aurora, or a visible comet — all of which illuminated the night sky in 2024 — the forthcoming explosion of T Cor Bor provides an excellent reason to venture outside and gaze upward.

Wishing you clear skies and keen eyes.