Particle.news

Download on the App Store

Astronomers Anticipate 'Zombie Star' T Coronae Borealis' Rare Nova Event

The binary star system, inactive for 80 years, could soon brighten the night sky with a visible explosion.

  • NASA describes T Coronae Borealis as a white dwarf in a binary system with a red giant, where material buildup triggers a nova.
  • The star system, located 3,000 light-years away, last exploded in 1946 and is due for another visible eruption soon.
  • When the nova occurs, T Coronae Borealis will become visible to the naked eye for about a week in the Northern Hemisphere.
  • Scientists are eager to study the nova, as it distributes elements like carbon and oxygen into space, contributing to cosmic evolution.
  • The event offers a rare chance for public observation and could inspire the next generation of astronomers.
Hero image