Astronomers are holding their breath: a new star in the T Coronae Borealis system (T CrB), also known as the Blaze Star, may be about to erupt in the night sky. This rare phenomenon repeats every 79 years, and the latest calculations point to a likely explosion on March 27, 2025. If the forecast comes true, we will see a brief but spectacular flare that will shine like a new star for almost a week.
T CrB is a binary system located about 3,000 light-years from Earth, consisting of a white dwarf and a red giant. The latter slowly loses hydrogen to the moon’s gravity, forming an accretion disk around it. When enough material accumulates, a thermonuclear explosion occurs, scattering the matter into space. Unlike ordinary supernovae, the white dwarf remains unharmed, but the flare is so bright that it will be visible even to the naked eye.
Jean Schneider of the Paris Observatory analyzed the dates of past explosions and the orbital dynamics of the system (the rotation period is 227 days). He found that flares occurred every 128 orbits, corresponding to March 27, 2025. If the forecast doesn’t work, the backup dates are November 10, 2025, and June 25, 2026. However, Schneider notes that his method is based on math, not process physics, so accuracy remains in question.
Currently, T CrB has a stellar magnitude of +10, making it invisible without a telescope. However, after the explosion, its brightness will increase to +2 – similar to Polaris, the North Star. Residents of the Northern Hemisphere will have the best view, as the flare will be visible for a few days before fading away, with the next chance occurring only 80 years later.
The first recorded explosion of T CrB occurred over 800 years ago. Since then, the cycle has repeated steadily, making this system unique among recurring supernovae. The current window of opportunity opened in February, and amateur astronomers are already watching the skies in anticipation of the brilliance of the new one.
Despite the excitement, experts note that the impending explosion of T Coronae Borealis is thought to be too far away to impact life on our planet. This comes as a relief, especially since violent supernova explosions have been linked to at least two mass extinctions on Earth in the distant past.
The Blaze Star is known for its recurring nova explosions approximately every 79 years, and NASA scientists have predicted it's due for another eruption. The star's last recorded explosion was nearly 80 years ago, and it's showing all the signs of being ready to erupt again. A paper published last year in the Research Notes of the American Astronomical Society suggested that the star was most likely to explode on Thursday, March 27.
Jean Schneider of the Paris Observatory has stated that, given the star's orbital cycles, it's most likely to blow on March 27, 2025. If that fails to occur, the next most likely dates are November 10, 2025, and June 25, 2026. T Coronae Borealis is located around 3,000 light-years from Earth.
When the explosion occurs, it will result in a bright new star visible in the night sky for up to a week. Currently, the Blaze Star is faintly visible to the naked eye, provided you're away from bright city lights. However, once the explosion occurs, this colossal cosmic event will appear as bright as the North Star.
To prepare for this celestial spectacle, astronomers recommend finding the constellation Corona Borealis, which is located between the larger constellations of Hercules and Boötes in the Northern Hemisphere. Stargazers can use apps like SkyView Lite or Stellarium Mobile to help locate the stars.
Once you've located the general area of Corona Borealis, carefully examine the stars within that small arc. Normally, the stars in this constellation are relatively faint. When T Coronae Borealis undergoes its nova explosion, it will appear as a noticeably bright new star.
Franck Marchis, an astronomer at the SETI Institute and Unistellar, has been closely monitoring T CrB for signs of a nova explosion. He noted that careful observation has shown variability suggesting the star is preparing for an explosion. However, he stressed that predicting the exact timing of this event remains impossible.
As anticipation builds, many wonder how best to view the explosion. Astronomers suggest giving your eyes time to adjust to the darkness, finding a location away from bright city lights, and using binoculars to enhance visibility. If T CrB is slightly fainter than expected or if it starts to fade, binoculars may help stargazers spot it for a longer period and in more detail.
In summary, T Coronae Borealis is set to explode on March 27, 2025, with backup dates of November 10, 2025, and June 25, 2026. This cosmic event occurs approximately every 80 years and was previously recorded in 1866 and 1946. As the Blaze Star prepares for its moment in the spotlight, astronomers and stargazers alike are gearing up for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness a spectacular display in the night sky.
