NASA predicts a once-in-a-lifetime event that will be visible from Earth without the need for a telescope

lNational Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)abbreviation in English) announced that during This summer, the whole world will be able to see a once-in-a-lifetime event. This is the type of “nova” that will occur in a small constellation. According to experts, this will attract a new generation of astronomers.

In a press release NASA He noted that the exact date when this event will occur is unknown, but it will happen at the latest in the northern summer or autumn. For Dr. Rebecca Hounsell, a researcher at the space agency, It is a “once-in-a-lifetime event that will create many new astronomers.”providing young people with a space event that they can observe for themselves, ask questions and collect their own data.”

As they explained, The Blazing Star is a binary system located in Corona Borealis, approximately 3,000 light-years from Earth.

It consists of a “white dwarf,” which is the remnant of a dead star the size of Earth with a mass comparable to that of our Sun, and an “ancient red giant.” The latter loses hydrogen due to the gravitational attraction of the former.

“Hydrogen from the red giant accumulates on the surface of the white dwarf, causing a build-up of pressure and heat,” he said. “Over time, this causes an explosion.” thermonuclear, large enough to explode accumulated material“he added.

Dr. Hounsell He explained that a nova event should not be confused with a supernova. The latter is known as “the last titanic explosion that destroys some dying stars,” he said. In the first case, the dwarf star remains intact, sending the accumulated material into space in a blinding flash.

This event has already happened another time and experts indicated where to look for it.

The nova T CrB, as the event that will occur this year is known, was first observed in 1217 in Germany and was last observed in 1946. Thanks to patterns, it is known that September 2024 will be a new opportunity to witness this event.

What should we look for in heaven?

During this event People should look for the “Corona Borealis,” a horseshoe-shaped curve of stars west of the constellation Hercules. According to experts, it looks much better at night. To identify it, you need to find the two brightest stars in the northern hemisphere. Arcturus and Vega, there will be an explosion point between the two of them. You don’t need a telescope, but you can see it with your naked eye.

Despite expectations, September may pass without visualization of this phenomenon. “Recurring novae are unpredictable and contradictory,” said Koji Mukai, a NASA astrophysicist. “Just when you think they can’t have a reason to follow a certain pattern, they do., and as soon as you start trusting them to repeat the same pattern, they deviate completely from it. Let’s see how T CrB behaves,” he said.

How common is a nova explosion?

According to NASA, astronomers believe that the frequency with which new star explosions occur is not so repetitive. They explain that on average every 80 years or at the end of the century About two or three supernovae occur in the galaxies of our Milky Way.

However, they explain that the Universe consists of several galaxies. “Every year, several hundred supernovae are observed outside our galaxy. Space dust obscures the view of most of them, says NASA.

How bright can they be?

Additionally, nova is events that create a show that generates a series of lights.

“These impressive events can be so bright which can outshine entire galaxies for days and even months. “They can be seen throughout the universe,” says the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

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