In a rare event that repeats every 80 years, a "nova" will be visible to the naked eye for a short period of time. A stellar explosion, known as a nova, is expected to occur between now and September, whether during the day or night. This celestial fireworks display will happen when a star called a white dwarf explodes, increasing its brightness by ten thousand times. Scientists from NASA and astronomers are looking forward to documenting this event, similar to how eclipses and the northern lights were observed.
The nova can be seen with the naked eye for up to a week after it occurs, and it will appear as if a new star has emerged in the sky. According to NASA, the explosion could happen at any moment, day or night, from now until September, although scientists say it may take longer.
#### How Does It Work?
The process involves a white dwarf star drawing material from a nearby red giant star, resulting in a significant increase in temperature and pressure, ultimately leading to a thermonuclear explosion. This makes the white dwarf appear much brighter in the sky, but it does not disintegrate. Once the explosion subsides, the star will return to its original brightness, and this explosion is designated as a "nova."
The immense gravitational force of the white dwarf pulls materials ejected from the red giant, and once enough material is collected, the heat rises to a level that causes the explosion. Previous novae from this stellar system occurred in 1946, in a cycle that has persisted since it was first discovered over 800 years ago. The white dwarf is a remnant of a dead star, roughly the size of Earth but with the mass of the Sun, while the red giant is a dying star releasing material into space.
#### When Will the Nova Occur?
No one knows exactly when it will happen. However, astronomers and scientists understand that the nova could erupt at any time, with most agreeing that it should occur sometime before September, although it may take longer. Since the nova can happen at any moment, NASA is relying on citizen astronomers and space enthusiasts to report when it occurs.
Dr. Elizabeth Hayes, head of the Astrophysical Particle Physics Laboratory at NASA Goddard, stated, "Using social media and email, observers send immediate alerts." Early detection can also assist NASA in gathering more data about the event to better understand its mechanisms. It is crucial for scientists to obtain data during the early rising phase of the eruption, as the data collected by enthusiastic citizen scientists currently searching for the nova will significantly contribute to the findings.
#### How Can the Nova Be Seen?
NASA confirms that the nova will be visible to the naked eye on a clear night, but it will not appear as an explosion but rather as another star in the sky that wasn't there before. It will also be very bright, making it quite noticeable, and those with telescopes and binoculars will have a better view.