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 “Blaze Star” set for nova explosion infographic
Graphic shows where the T Coronae Borealis star system is and why it is due to flare up in the night sky.
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SPACE

Star to trigger dramatic thermonuclear detonation

By Ninian Carter

March 27, 2025 - A star located 3,000 light-years from Earth is predicted to become visible to the naked eye on March 27 – a once-in-a-lifetime viewing opportunity caused by a nova burst that only occurs roughly every 80 years.

Astronomers predict a star located 3,000 light-years from Earth is about to become visible to the naked eye for the first time in almost 80 years – a once-in-a-lifetime viewing opportunity caused by a massive thermonuclear explosion.

Forecast to happen on March 27, the event will be triggered by T Coronae Borealis (T CrB) – a binary system where a white dwarf star is collecting matter from an unstable and nearby red giant – eventually setting off a nova burst that will be visible from Earth.

T CrB, last exploded in 1946, with astronomers historically observing it doing the same thing in 1866 and 1787 – meaning we’re due another one about now.

Sources
PUBLISHED: 25/03/2025; STORY: Graphic News
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