A rare celestial event is set to captivate astronomers and skywatchers alike in September. T Coronae Borealis (T CrB), also known as the “Blaze Star,” will undergo a nova explosion, visible from Earth despite being 3,000 light-years away.
What is a Nova Explosion?
A nova explosion occurs when a white dwarf star in a binary system draws material from its companion star, a red giant. This material accumulates on the white dwarf’s surface until it triggers a thermonuclear explosion, creating a temporary brightening in the night sky.
T CrB System
The T CrB system consists of a white dwarf and a red giant star. The white dwarf, dense and compact, draws material from its larger companion, leading to periodic nova explosions roughly every 80 years.
Previous Observations
The last recorded nova event of T CrB was observed in 1946. Historical records date back to observations in 1217 AD, emphasizing its recurrent nature over centuries.
Visual Appearance
During the upcoming nova, T CrB will appear as a new, bright star in the sky, visible to the naked eye for several days. Observers with telescopes can witness its luminosity and distinct colors in greater detail.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) with Answers:
- What causes a nova explosion?
- A) Collision of planets
- B) Thermonuclear explosion triggered by material accumulation on a white dwarf
- C) Gravitational collapse of a red giant
- D) Fusion reaction in a black hole
- Answer: B) Thermonuclear explosion triggered by material accumulation on a white dwarf
- Why is T Coronae Borealis (T CrB) referred to as a recurrent nova?
- A) It explodes every 10 years
- B) It is located near the Corona Borealis constellation
- C) Its explosions occur roughly every 80 years due to material accumulation on a white dwarf
- D) It emits radiation in the gamma-ray spectrum
- Answer: C) Its explosions occur roughly every 80 years due to material accumulation on a white dwarf
- How do astronomers distinguish between a nova and a supernova?
- A) Supernovae are visible only with telescopes
- B) Novae occur more frequently than supernovae
- C) Supernovae completely destroy stars, while novae leave the star intact
- D) Novae occur in binary star systems, while supernovae occur in single-star systems
- Answer: C) Supernovae completely destroy stars, while novae leave the star intact