Tag

Recurrent Nova

All articles tagged with #recurrent nova

"2023's Spectacular Celestial Events: A Year of Rare Cosmic Phenomena"

Originally Published 1 year ago — by National Geographic

Featured image for "2023's Spectacular Celestial Events: A Year of Rare Cosmic Phenomena"
Source: National Geographic

Astronomers are eagerly awaiting the appearance of T Coronae Borealis, a recurrent nova that erupts every 80 years, causing a brief but intense brightening in the Northern night sky. The eruption, which could occur anytime between now and September, will be visible to the naked eye for only a week. This rare celestial event is the result of a white dwarf star consuming material from its red giant companion, triggering powerful nuclear fusion reactions. Amateur astronomers are closely monitoring the star, and the eruption will be observed using both professional and backyard telescopes.

"Unveiling the Secrets: Decoding a Medieval Manuscript's Impending Recurrent Nova"

Originally Published 2 years ago — by Phys.org

Featured image for "Unveiling the Secrets: Decoding a Medieval Manuscript's Impending Recurrent Nova"
Source: Phys.org

A medieval manuscript from 1217 may contain the earliest recorded observation of a recurrent nova, specifically the star T CrB in the constellation Corona Borealis. The manuscript describes a "wonderful sign" of a faint star brightening and emitting a tall beam of light for several days. The researcher, Dr. Bradley Schaefer, rules out other possibilities such as a supernova or comet and concludes that the observation is likely a misidentification of T CrB during an eruption. If the star follows its previous pattern, it is predicted to brighten again in early spring 2024.