An unusual type of star known as a “zombie star” called T Coronae Borealis could explode in the near future after being dormant for decades.
Also known as the “Blaze Star”, it is part of a binary star system located around 3,000 light years from Earth.
The star goes through periodic explosions where it rapidly increases in brightness, having last done so in 1946. It draws materials from a nearby red giant star.
Astronomers observe behavior similar to what was seen before the 1946 explosion, indicating it may erupt again soon in a thermonuclear explosion visible to the naked eye.
Past explosions in 1217 and 1946 made it briefly outshine stars in known constellations. The next explosion is expected to be similarly bright for under a week.
Scientists will study the explosion across different wavelengths to better understand the structure and processes involved in these “zombie star” systems.
The explosion will be a rare opportunity for both astronomers and the public to observe a nova event relatively close to Earth with the naked eye.
Source: Interesting Engineering
