Blaze Star T Coronae Borealis Expected to Erupt as a Nova, Potentially Visible to Naked Eye

The recurrent nova T Coronae Borealis (T CrB), also known as the Blaze Star, is expected to erupt soon, potentially becoming visible without the aid of telescopes. Located approximately 3,000 light-years away in the constellation Corona Borealis, this binary star system consists of a white dwarf and a red giant. Every 80 years or so, T CrB undergoes a nova eruption. This occurs when the white dwarf pulls hydrogen from the red giant, accumulating it on its surface. As the hydrogen builds up, it eventually reaches a critical mass and ignites in a thermonuclear explosion, causing a dramatic increase in brightness. The upcoming eruption will appear as a new, bright star in the Corona Borealis constellation. It may even reach a similar brightness to Polaris (the North Star). Astronomers predict that this event could happen imminently. To find Corona Borealis, look west of the Hercules constellation. A helpful trick is to follow an imaginary line between the bright stars Arcturus and Vega; this line will lead you to Corona Borealis.