• A star explosion may be visible to the naked eye!
• Happens only once every 80 years
• Look toward the constellation Corona Borealis (The Northern Crown)
• Go outside at night and keep watching the sky!
Something incredible might happen this week, and you won’t want to miss it.
Astronomers around the world are holding their breath for a once-in-a-lifetime event. A star system called T Coronae Borealis (T CrB) — nicknamed the “Blaze Star” — could erupt and create a bright new star in the night sky. And the best part? You may be able to see it with just your eyes, no telescope needed!
What’s Happening?
The Blaze Star is actually two stars locked in a tight dance. One is a dying star called a white dwarf, and the other is a red giant. Every so often (about once every 80 years), the white dwarf steals gas from its partner until it explodes in a bright flash called a nova. This doesn’t destroy the star — it just makes it flare up for a few days or weeks. Then it fades away until the next one.
Astronomers have been watching T CrB closely since early 2023. They saw signs the explosion was coming, but it didn’t happen — until now, maybe. A new study says this could be the week it finally goes boom.
How Bright Will It Be?
If the nova happens, T CrB will suddenly go from invisible to as bright as the North Star — and stay that way for a few days. That means even people in cities with light pollution could see it.
Where to Look
• Find the constellation Corona Borealis — it looks like a small arc or “smile” of stars.
• It’s between Boötes (look for the bright star Arcturus) and Hercules.
• Best viewing time: after 10 p.m., when the Northern Crown is higher in the sky.
Observation Conditions:
For optimal viewing, choose a location away from city lights to minimize light pollution, and allow your eyes some time to adjust to the darkness.
• Steps to Locate T CrB:
1. Identify Arcturus: Begin by finding Arcturus, the brightest star in the Boötes constellation. Arcturus is a prominent, reddish star that can be located by following the arc of the Big Dipper’s handle.
2. Locate Corona Borealis: Once you’ve identified Arcturus, look slightly northeast to spot the semicircular arrangement of stars forming Corona Borealis.
3. Find T CrB: Within Corona Borealis, T CrB is positioned about 2.2° (approximately the width of your finger with your arm outstretched) east of the star Delta (δ) Coronae Borealis. During its nova event, T CrB is expected to brighten significantly, making it comparable in brightness to the North Star, Polaris. Use a star app or sky map if you’re not sure where to look.
When to Look
We don’t know the exact night — it might be tonight or later this week. The explosion could happen at any time, so check the sky every clear night. Once it happens, it’ll fade away again within a few days or a week.
A Moment to Remember
If you happen to be lucky enough to be watching at the exact moment the Blaze Star erupts — when it suddenly flares into view — you are witnessing something truly rare. You’ll be one of just a handful of people on Earth to catch that moment in real time. Think about it: you’re seeing a star’s outburst that began 3,000 years ago, finally reaching your eyes.
Don’t Miss It
This is something you may only see once in your lifetime. The last time the Blaze Star erupted was in 1946, and the next time might not be until the 22nd century.
So grab your coat, step outside after dark, and look up. This is what makes astronomy so exciting — seeing the universe change right before your eyes.
If it does erupt, we’ll post updates right away. Stay tuned, and don’t forget to tell your friends to look up too!
