An exploding star will be visible over the UK, having last lit up the skies in 1946. (Image: Getty)
are keenly awaiting the arrival of an exploding star that will be visible to the naked eye – – for the first time in 80 years.
The explosion, also known as T Cor Bor, is caused by two stars orbiting each other an incredible 3,000 light years away from Earth. The first-ever sighting in the UK took place in 1946, when a teenager said he spotted a bright star in the sky.
A small white dwarf star is orbiting a much larger star, slowly pulling gas from its larger companion.
This gas forms a around the white dwarf’s surface. Eventually, the pressure from the growing hydrogen layer will get so high that it will trigger a nuclear explosion, causing the hydrogen to burn.
“This nova clears away the surface material but doesn’t destroy the star, so the process starts again and re-occurs approximately every 80 years,” explained Jessica Lee, Astronomer at Royal Observatory Greenwich, to .
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A picture of the two stars making up the Corona Borealis (Image: David Ritter)
After astronomers noticed signs the explosion was imminent earlier this year, it was believed the event would happen in September. However, it is running slightly behind schedule.
When it does occur, you will be able to see it several nights in a row. However, experts suggest you get ready for it.
“Nova are not rare. However recurrent Novae, ones that happen over and over again, are rare with only 10 known ones in ,” Dr Daniel Brown, associate professor in astronomy and science communication at Nottingham Trent University, told The Telegraph.
Don’t miss… [REVEAL]
?????? Around the world, professional and amateur astronomers are closely watching T Coronae Borealis – a binary system ~3,000 light-years from Earth – waiting for an impending nova event so bright it will be visible on Earth with the naked eye.MORE HERE >>
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“It will remain visible to the naked eye for about five days only, even less if you live in light-polluted areas, while it rapidly dims. Then it will only be observable with binoculars or .”
“It is always a treat when something doesn’t happen as predicted. That’s always a sign that we are about to explore something new and expand our current understanding,” Brown added.