A Celestial Spectacle Awaits: The Thermonuclear Detonation of T Coronae Borealis and Its Visibility to the Human Eye

The star T Coronae Borealis (T CrB) is expected to undergo a thermonuclear detonation on its surface in the coming weeks, an event that occurs roughly every 80 years. This explosion is set to make the star visible to the human eye without any aids, a sight not seen since the 1940s.

The chart provided shows the view from London looking south-south-west around 2300 BST, indicating the specific location to monitor for any changes. When T CrB erupts, it is projected to shine as brightly as Alphecca, the brightest star in the Corona Borealis constellation, also known as the northern crown.

The Astronomical League encourages individuals to sketch the constellation now and again when the star eventually erupts. This practice will aid in pinpointing the exact time when the eruption’s light reaches Earth. Although the explosion has technically already occurred, the star is located an immense 2,600 light years away, meaning the light from the eruption has been travelling through space for centuries. Now, it is just a matter of weeks before we witness it here on Earth.

For those observing from Sydney, Australia, the constellation will reach its highest point due north around 2100 AEST. This positioning will provide an optimal view of the celestial event and allow for a unique perspective on this rare occurrence.