NASA prepares for rare nova event in Corona Borealis

WASHINGTON: Astronomers and space enthusiasts worldwide are eagerly awaiting a rare celestial event unfolding in the night sky on Monday.

Scientists at National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) expect a rare nova explosion in the constellation Corona Borealis, promising a spectacular show for observers.

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The event is expected between Monday night and September. The rare nova explosion offers a unique opportunity for both seasoned astronomers in NASA and other space agencies and even newcomers to witness a cosmic phenomenon up close.

An assistant research scientist specialising in nova events at NASA described the event as a “once-in-a-lifetime” occurrence. The nova is known as “T Coronae Borealis” or “Blaze Star” and resides approximately 3,000 light-years away.

The nova will feature a white dwarf, the remnant of a dead star, and an aging red giant star. The interaction between these stars led to periodic explosions called novae, distinct from catastrophic supernovae marking the deaths of massive stars.

Unlike supernovae, which often destroy the star, novae involve a sudden, intense release of energy from the white dwarf. This occurs when hydrogen from the red giant accumulates on the white dwarf’s surface, triggering a runaway thermonuclear reaction. The accumulated material is ejected into space in a luminous burst, significantly increasing the star’s brightness temporarily.

T Coronae Borealis has a history of periodic eruptions, with the last notable event occurring in 1946. The upcoming nova event has been eagerly awaited due to its proximity.

Scientists hope to study the nova across various wavelengths, from visible light to gamma rays, using a constellation of ground-based and space-based telescopes, including NASA’s Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope and James Webb Space Telescope.

The nova’s visibility to the naked eye makes it accessible for amateur astronomers, who are encouraged to observe and contribute data during the event. Their contributions through social media and collaborative platforms are important in bettering humanity’s understanding of these cosmic phenomena, as per NASA.

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Corona Borealis is where the nova will occur and it can be located west of the Hercules constellation. The constellation is recognisable by its horseshoe shape and can be spotted under clear night skies between the bright stars Arcturus and Vega.