A Cosmic Explosion

Coming soon to skies near you: A once-in-a-lifetime stellar event. Learn where to spot it on today's episode of Astro Minute!

What is Astro Minute?

Welcome to the Astro Minute! I'm Lauren Smyth, and with the help of astronomer and teacher Kelli Smyth, I'll be your tour guide as we explore the secrets of the night sky sixty seconds at a time.

Welcome to the Astro Minute, where we’re exploring the universe sixty seconds at a time. I’m Lauren Smyth, and today we’re on the lookout for a cosmic explosion.

Astronomers believe a once-in-a-lifetime astronomical event is imminent: a recurrent nova that can be easily seen from earth. T Coronae Borealis, in the constellation Corona Borealis, is a binary star system comprised of a hot white dwarf procuring gas from its red giant companion. About every eighty years, the stolen gas reaches a critical temperature, ignites, and is suddenly, violently, and brilliantly expelled into space.

Predicted for fall 2024, this nova will only be visible for a few days to the unaided eye, appearing as a new star in the Corona Borealis. To see it, look in the evening for bright red Arcturus in the west and Vega, the brightest star directly overhead. A third of the way up from Arcturus to Vega will be the scene of this extraordinary event.

That’s your Astro Minute!