Yes! T Coronae Borealis (T CrB), also known as the Blaze Star, is a recurrent nova in the constellation Corona Borealis that erupts roughly every 80 years. It last went nova in 1946, and astronomers predict it may erupt again between March and September 2024.

What to Expect

• Normally, T CrB is a dim star (magnitude ~10), visible only with telescopes.
• During a nova event, it can brighten to magnitude 2, making it easily visible to the naked eye—similar in brightness to Polaris!
• The explosion occurs when the white dwarf in the system accumulates enough hydrogen from its red giant companion, triggering a thermonuclear runaway.

How to Spot It

• Look for the Corona Borealis constellation (the “Northern Crown”), located between Boötes and Hercules.
• Use a star map or an app like SkySafari, Stellarium, or Star Walk to locate T CrB.
• If it does go nova, it will be one of the brightest objects in the night sky for a few days!

Stay tuned for updates from astronomers! It could be one of the most exciting celestial events of the year.