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One of these days, a rare astronomical event may brighten the nighttime sky. T Coronae Borealis (T CrB), more commonly referred to as the "Blaze Star," may go off at any moment. The normally unseen star will shine briefly during this once-in-a-lifetime event. Stargazers get a rare glimpse of this explosion in space.


 
 What Is Nova, the "Blaze Star"?
 


 Coronae Borealis is not a single star; rather, it is a binary star system. It is made up of a red giant and a white dwarf in orbit around one another. The white dwarf builds up enough hydrogen to explode once every 80 years. A nova, or abrupt rise in brightness, is the outcome of this.


 No eruptions have occurred since 1786, 1866, and 1946. One occurred in 1217 according to history, as well. The following eruption is scheduled between 2025 and 2026, say astronomers. Some estimates propose possible dates in 2027.


 
 What Makes This Event Unique?
 


 This nova is more than a fleeting moment of light. Because the system is 3,000 light-years from Earth, the explosion occurred thousands of years ago. The astronomers are getting a sneak peek into the past because the light is just now arriving on Earth.


 T CrB will be as brilliant as the North Star, Polaris, at outburst. It will remain visible to the naked eye for a few days. It might be hard to locate the constellation for those who are not used to it, but preparation can make the experience more pleasant.


 
 How and Where to View It
 


 The constellation Corona Borealis has T CrB within it. This small star arc is positioned in the northern hemisphere between Boötes and Hercules.


 
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 The Blaze Star will shine in the Corona Borealis and remain visible to the naked eye for several days. (Image: NASA)
 
 


 How to find it:


 
 How to Locate the 'Blaze Star' Nova:
 


 <ol>
 
 <li>
 Step outside around
 
 10 p.m. local time
 
 .
 </li>
 
 
 <li>
 Locate the
 
 Big Dipper
 
 high in the northwest.
 </li>
 
 
 <li>
 Follow its handle’s curve to
 
 Arcturus
 
 , a bright star in the east.
 </li>
 
 
 <li>
 Draw a line from
 
 Arcturus
 
 to
 
 Vega
 
 in the northeast.
 </li>
 
 
 <li>
 Halfway between them is the crescent-shaped
 
 Corona Borealis
 
 .
 </li>
 
 </ol>


 T CrB will appear in this constellation as a new bright star once the nova event occurs.


 This rare phenomenon is eagerly awaited by astronomers and space fans. It will be a sight to remember when it happens. Keep looking up at the sky and do not miss this chance to witness a star explosion.

Once in 80 years: Rare 'Blaze Star' nova set to brighten skies this week — how to spot it

Unknown astronomy, astrophysics, aurora borealis

One of these days, a rare astronomical event may brighten the nighttime sky. T Coronae Borealis (T CrB), more commonly referred to as the "Blaze Star," may go off at any moment. The normally unseen …