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Why won’t the Blaze Star explode? (and how YOU can see it when it does)
- The Blaze Star is a binary system with a white dwarf and a red giant star, where the white dwarf periodically explodes every 80 years.
- Despite the powerful explosions, the white dwarf of the Blaze Star remains intact.
- Astronomers are still waiting for the Blaze Star to erupt, providing a unique opportunity for sky observers to witness a 'new star' in the night sky.
- Two known eruptions of the Blaze Star occurred on May 12, 1866, and February 9, 1946, approximately 80 years apart.
- The Blaze Star brightened and dimmed before its last eruption in 1946, leading to predictions of an eruption around 2024.
- The Blaze Star is a binary system, where the white dwarf accumulates material from the red giant and explodes periodically.
- The constellation Corona Borealis, where the Blaze Star resides, can be found between Arcturus and Hercules in the night sky.
- When the Blaze Star erupts, it is expected to reach an apparent magnitude of 2, comparable to the brightest star in Corona Borealis, Alphecca.
- The Blaze Star, located around 3,000 light-years away, will brighten the night sky significantly during its nova event.
- Observers are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the Northern Crown constellation to be prepared to witness the Blaze Star's eruption.
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