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!