Astronomers Await Rare T Coronae Borealis Nova After 80-Year Hiatus

The recurring nova, caused by a white dwarf and red giant interaction, could brighten the night sky soon, though its exact timing remains uncertain.

T Coronae Borealis, also known as 'The Blaze Star,' is a recurring nova that occurs roughly every 80 years, with the last recorded event in 1946.
The phenomenon is caused by a white dwarf star siphoning material from its red giant companion, triggering a thermonuclear explosion on the dwarf's surface.
Astronomers have observed dips in brightness in the system, a potential precursor to the nova, but the exact timing of the eruption remains unknown.
When it occurs, the nova will briefly brighten to naked-eye visibility in the constellation Corona Borealis, rivaling some of the brightest stars in the sky.
Modern telescopes and instruments are poised to capture unprecedented data on this rare event, offering insights into the behavior of recurrent novae.