A rare cosmic explosion is set to occur by September, offering a unique viewing opportunity, according to NASA. The event, known as a 'nova,' will be visible to the naked eye despite being located 3,000 lightyears away from Earth. The explosion will be triggered by a thermonuclear reaction between the white dwarf and red giant star in the star system T Coronae Borealis (T CrB).
As the red giant star becomes unstable and sheds its outer layers, the white dwarf accumulates this material on its surface. Eventually, the dense atmosphere of the white dwarf heats up, leading to a runaway thermonuclear reaction that results in the nova visible from Earth. These novae are likened to hydrogen bombs by astrophysicists.
To witness the nova, observers should look towards the constellation Corona Borealis, also known as the 'Northern Crown,' located near the Bootes and Hercules constellations. The outburst will manifest as a bright new star in this region. At its peak, the star system will shine as brightly as the North Star and remain visible to the naked eye for several days, extending to just over a week with binoculars.
Following its peak brightness, the nova will gradually dim and may not be observable for another 80 years. NASA notes that the system last experienced a similar explosion in 1946. Bill Cooke from NASA's Meteoroid Environment Office expressed the rarity of the event, highlighting the novelty of witnessing a star explode in the night sky.
