An explosion of thermonuclear matter can create a new star in the night sky

Astronomers said in February 2016 that the star system T Corona Borealis had reached an “unprecedented high activity phase”. That solar activity can cause a nova explosion big enough to be seen with the unaided eye from Earth after eight years.

Its impending celestial display is the result of a predicted white dwarf explosion that will increase its brightness tenfold. Just as we have longed to see solar eclipses and aurora borealis over the years, NASA scientists and astronomers are eagerly waiting to see them.

During a nova explosion, a white dwarf star absorbs solar material from a neighboring red giant. A thermonuclear explosion occurs when the temperature and pressure are too high. This makes the white dwarf appear brighter in the sky, but it does not explode; Instead, the star returns to its initial brightness as the explosion subsides. It is a nova, a tremendous eruption.

For up to a week after its occurrence, a nova can be seen with the unaided eye. At that time, a new star will appear in the sky. NASA said the explosion could happen at any time, day or night, between now and September, although experts think it could take longer.

The thermonuclear last nova from this star system was in 1946

T Coronae Borealis, commonly known as Blaze Star or T CrB, is responsible for the celestial light show. In the northern crown of the Milky Way, located about 3,000 light-years from Earth, is a binary star system consisting of a white dwarf and an old red giant. It is a component of the Corona Borealis constellation, which forms a recognizable “C” shape in the sky, especially during the summer.

“Individuals have the opportunity to witness an astronomical event that they can observe, investigate and gather information about independently,” said Rebecca Hounsell, assistant research scientist at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center. “This will inspire the next generation of scientists.”

Where is Corona Borealis?

The Corona Borealis is one of the constellations that you’ll probably recognize less than the more easily visible constellations like the Big Dipper. It’s challenging to spot in the night sky unless it’s clear. The light pollution of big cities can also make finding it more challenging.

According to NASA, the two brightest stars in the Northern Hemisphere, Vega and Arcturus, are the easiest places to see the Corona Borealis. (Apps for skygazing on your phone can come in handy here.) You can practically draw an imaginary line between the two from there. Corona Borealis is almost in the middle. To understand what we mean, use the picture below.

What’s the difference between a nova and a supernova?

Most people are familiar with the phrase “supernova”. It is the star’s last scream before it fades to black. But during that final gasp, the star aggressively ejects material into space, also in the largest explosion ever seen by humans.  elements heavier than iron in the universe. to be produced by supernovae. Surprisingly, cosmic events like supernovae are a source of iron in your blood.

However, a nova requires two stars. Generally, one star is a red giant and the other is a white dwarf.

Other types of nova also exist. Supernovae that reach a certain size and luminosity are called hypernovae. They often occur ten or more times brighter than a standard supernova. Another type, an extremely rare kilonova, occurs when two neutron stars collide, releasing an incredible gravitational wave along with electromagnetic radiation.

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