'Last seen in 1946': T Coronae Boreali, the 'Blaze Star' could finally explode this year

Produced by: Mohsin Shaikh

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Late Nova

T Coronae Borealis, the once-in-80-years "Blaze Star", was expected to erupt in 2024—but it’s still keeping us waiting in 2025.

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Cosmic Tease

First recorded in 1866, the nova last erupted in 1946, and it should burst to naked-eye brightness any day now—but when?

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Star on Edge

Astronomer Gesesew Reta of S.N. Bose Centre found spectral shifts that suggest an imminent eruption, but novae remain unpredictable.

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A Galactic Rarity

Recurrent novae, like T CrB, are extremely rare, with only about six known examples, making this an astronomical must-watch event.

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Skywatch Alert

T CrB rises in the eastern midnight sky, brightening Corona Borealis—so keep an eye out before dawn for a new star.

Fireball Formation

The nova happens when a red giant dumps material onto a white dwarf, triggering a runaway thermonuclear explosion.

Bright, Not Blinding

T CrB could reach +2nd magnitude, visible to the naked eye, but it won’t be the “brightest star ever” as some headlines claim.

Telescope Target

Expect JWST and Hubble to study this eruption, offering a rare deep-space view of a nova explosion in real time.

Be the First!

Look east after midnight to spot Corona Borealis. If a new star appears, it's the nova! Best seen in March–April pre-dawn skies. No telescope needed! Track updates on AAVSO & SpaceWeather.com.