NASA experts are gearing up for a spectacular event as a star system located 3,000 light-years away is set to become visible to the naked eye due to a rare nova outburst. The star system, known as T Coronae Borealis or T CrB, is expected to explode between February and September 2024, marking a once-in-a-lifetime event that occurs only once every 80 years.
Astronomers last witnessed this stunning phenomenon in 1946, and now, they are eagerly awaiting its return. Lead for NASA’s Meteoroid Environment Office, Bill Cooke, compared the upcoming explosion to a solar eclipse, emphasizing that it will be much rarer and more memorable.
Typically too dim to be seen, the star system will brighten during the outburst to the visibility of Polaris, the North Star. With binoculars, it will be visible for several days near the constellation Corona Borealis, appearing as a new bright star in the night sky.
NASA has described this recurring nova as one of only five in our galaxy, making it a unique and rare phenomenon for stargazers to witness. The event promises to be a breathtaking spectacle that will captivate viewers around the world.
As experts continue to monitor the star system in anticipation of the outburst, astronomers and space enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting the chance to witness this extraordinary event. Be sure to mark your calendars for 2024 and keep your eyes on the night sky for a once-in-a-lifetime celestial show.
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