Starwatch- Still waiting for nova T Coronae Borealis to blow up
What’s the latest on T Coronae Borealis? We’ve been on high alert for its possible explosion since April, hoping it would happen before September, but here we are still waiting.
T Coronae Borealis is truly captivating as it’s a recurrent nova, made up of a red giant and a white dwarf. The white dwarf acts like a dense core, roughly the size of Earth, which pulls gas from the red giant. Over time, this gas builds up until it ignites a thermonuclear explosion, leading to a stunning brightening of the star. Interestingly, the white dwarf survives these events and returns to its normal state, continuing the cycle.
Historically, T Coronae Borealis erupts approximately every 80 years, so many astronomers feel it’s overdue for another display. If you’re in London on October 7 at 8 PM BST and gaze westward, you should have a fantastic view.
When it does finally erupt, it’s expected to shine as brightly as Alphecca, the brightest star in its constellation. However, for those in the southern hemisphere, catching a glimpse of it might pose quite a challenge, as its name suggests that visibility may not be ideal. What are your thoughts on this upcoming cosmic event? Are you excited to see what T Coronae Borealis will reveal?
