Apart from the northern lights, and star showers, astronomers will have their sights set on another unique phenomenon taking place this summer. It is about the nova explosion that will occur in the Corona Borealis constellation.
According to NASA astronomers, A star located about 3,000 light years away will explode this summer in a cosmic event “once in a lifetime”. It is expected that the Corona Borealis, known as Blaze Starexplode this summer, causing a flash of light so bright that it can be seen with the naked eye from Earth
This type of explosion is called a nova event and NASA points out that it is a highly anticipated event and that it can mark a turning point in astronomical studies and shape future astronomers. “It’s incredibly exciting to have this front-row seat to this phenomenon,” said NASA’s Dr. Rebekah Housell.
What is a nova explosion?
In this case, the two stars are one white dwarf and a red giant, which are located in the borealis constellation. The white dwarf star, called T Corona Borealis, which astronomers expect to explode. To observe the phenomenon, you will have to find the constellation in the night sky that can be seen represented in this illustration.
Legend of the night sky. / POT
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The explosion will occur in the binary system Corona Borealis, when the two stars orbit each other. This star is the size of Earth, but has a much greater mass, similar to that of our Sun. This means that it exerts a strong gravitational attraction. Therefore, the T Corona Borealis star will attract hydrogen from the neighboring red giant star to its own surface. As it accumulates more hydrogen on its surface, The heat and pressure will increase, eventually triggering an explosion.
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime event that will attract many new astronomers” says Dr. Hounsell, associate nova research scientist at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center.
When and how to see the astronomical event
Although It is not possible to determine precisely when this will occur. the nova explosion, NASA indicates that once the event begins and reaches its peak luminosity, it should be visible to the naked eye for several days. Besides, Up to a week later it can still be seen with binoculars, before it fades again.
Given the above, if you do not want to miss this phenomenon, it is recommended to pay attention to the information related to the NASA star since once it begins, you have a few days to observe it.
