1. Rare cosmic explosion expected to occur by September
2. Explosion visible to the naked eye despite being 3,000 lightyears away
3. Explosion caused by thermonuclear reaction between white dwarf and red giant star
NASA has announced that a rare cosmic explosion is expected to occur by September, providing a “once-in-a-lifetime viewing opportunity.” Despite taking place 3,000 light years away from Earth, this “nova” explosion will be visible to the naked eye. The event will be the result of a thermonuclear reaction between a white dwarf – the core of a dead star – and a red giant star in the star system T Coronae Borealis (T CrB).
According to NASA, the red giant will become unstable due to increasing temperature and pressure, leading to the ejection of its outer layers. The white dwarf will collect this matter onto its surface, eventually leading to a runaway thermonuclear reaction and the production of the nova visible from Earth. Astrophysicist Bradley Schaefer described these novae as “hydrogen bombs” due to their explosive nature.
Those interested in viewing the nova should look for the constellation Corona Borealis, where the outburst will appear as a new bright star. During its peak, the star system will have a similar brightness to the North Star, remaining visible to the unaided eye for several days and with binoculars for just over a week. After this period, the star system will dim and may not be visible for another 80 years, with its last explosion occurring in 1946. NASA expects this rare event to be a memorable experience for skywatchers who witness a star explode in the night sky.