Star T Corona Borealis to explode next week in rare 80-year event — When and where to watch

In a one-in-80-year celestial occurrence, astronomers say the binary star system T Corona Borealis (T CrB) is likely to experience a spectacular explosion and become visible to the naked eye.

The star, 3,000 light-years from Earth in the Corona Borealis constellation, will flash into brilliance unexpectedly and provide observers with an uncommon treat.

If present predictions are correct, the star could be visible as early as March 27, 2025.

Forecasts indicate it might be as bright as the North Star, and it will be one of the most visible celestial bodies for a short time, as mentioned in a report by Forbes.

Why Does T Corona Borealis Explode?

T Corona Borealis is a binary star system consisting of a white dwarf and a red giant.

The phenomenon occurs when the white dwarf gradually accumulates material shed by the red giant, leading to an eventual thermonuclear explosion.

This sudden burst causes a massive increase in brightness, making the star briefly visible from Earth before fading back into obscurity.

Historical observations suggest that T CrB also had such outbursts in 1787, 1866, and 1946 after a cycle of about eight decades.

The predictability of the event has been a topic of interest among astronomers, much as Halley's Comet is with its recurrence every 76 years.

Indications of an Impending Nova

Astronomers have been tracking T CrB's brightness levels closely, which dropped drastically in early 2023—a major signal that a nova is on its way.

Although early estimates indicated an explosion in April 2024, the star failed to blow up, and researchers had to extend their observations.

“Since September, we have been observing brightness variations, indicating that the long-sought explosion is imminent," SETI Institute astronomer Franck Marchis stated.

A recent study in the Research Notes of the American Astronomical Society predicts that T CrB might blow on March 27, November 10, 2025, or June 25, 2026.

Where and How to See the Exploding Star

For those who wish to see this phenomenon, the Corona Borealis constellation will be most visible from the Northern Hemisphere.

It is seen as a semi-circle of seven stars, located between the Bo?tes and Hercules constellations.

To find T CrB, do the following:

Locate Arcturus, a bright star in the east, by following the handle of the Big Dipper downwards.

Find Vega, another bright star, rising in the northeast.

Glance about halfway between Arcturus and the Hercules Cluster (M13)—T CrB should be in this area.

What follows the explosion?

After T CrB blows, it should remain visible for a couple of days before fading slowly over the ensuing weeks.

Although the timing is unknown, astronomers stress that the explosion is certain, and observers are advised to be ready.

With telescopes and observatories around the globe in heightened anticipation, this celestial exploding star phenomenon might provide a spectacular display in space—a grand event for scientists and astronomers alike.

FAQs:

Where will T-Coronae Borealis be visible?

T CrB is easy to locate in the night sky. It sits slightly below an imaginary line connecting Arcturus and Vega, the two brightest stars in the northern sky. To find it, start at Arcturus and move about one-third of the way toward Vega.

What star appears every 80 years?

T Coronae Borealis experiences an outburst approximately every 80 years. First documented by astronomer John Birmingham in 1866, its last eruption occurred in February 1946—exactly 80 years ago this month.