The Blaze Star is about to explode: All the details on how to watch it and where to look

A star that was supposed to explode in May and June has yet to show any signs of doing so. However, it is expected that the ‘Blaze Star,’ also known as T Coronae Borealis, is finally headed down the path of a cosmic explosion. T Coronae Borealis shines at a magnitude of +2, which is similar to the North Star. However, since the star is a recurring nova, it will light up the sky with its brightness for only a week or two before dimming back to its original intensity.
Blaze Star is currently in the constellation Corona Borealis, located some 3,000 light-years away from Earth. To put it in perspective, it would take about 57 million years to reach the star, even if one were traveling through space at a speed of 35,000 mph.
It is part of a two-star system, consisting of a huge and cool red giant star and a small, hot white dwarf star orbiting each other. The age difference between the two is billions of years. The matter released by the red giant star is constantly fed into the white dwarf star. As it builds up over time, a detonation occurs. The white dwarf star appears brighter in the sky but doesn’t disintegrate; over time, the star returns to its original brightness. This massive eruption is known as a nova.
This nova will be visible to the naked eye for a week, as if a new star has suddenly appeared. According to NASA, it is not necessary for the explosion to happen at night; it can occur anytime, day or night.
This cosmic event happens every 80 years, with the last one occurring in 1946. But the spike in brightness will be witnessed two years earlier this time, as the event that led to the 1946 explosion has already occurred. This cycle has continued since it was first discovered more than 800 years ago. The brightness of the event will make it possible for viewers to witness it with the naked eye and collect data.
When will it explode?
According to astronomers, the explosion is due anytime soon, but they are unable to pin down an exact date. Experts believe it will likely happen toward the end of September.
How to locate it:
The star sits in the constellation Corona Borealis but won’t be visible until the thermonuclear eruption. You can still locate it with the help of other astronomical measures. The easiest way is to spot the Big Dipper, start from there, and follow the curve of its handle. You will notice a bright red star called Arcturus. In the northeast, locate another star called Vega, and between the two, the Blaze Star will appear.