- NASA predicts the reappearance of the long-extinct Blaze Star, also known as T Coronae Borealis.
- The dazzling phenomenon will last for a few days before the star vanishes again for another 80 years.
- A "comet of the century" will pass by Earth after 80,000 years.
Blaze Star, also known as T Coronae Borealis, was last visible from Earth in 1946. Astronomers now predict its reappearance could happen any day. Although the star died long ago, it will reignite in an explosion 3,000 light-years away, becoming as bright as the North Star. This dazzling phenomenon will last for only a few days before the star vanishes again for another 80 years.
Dr. Rebekah Hounsell, an assistant research scientist at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center specializing in nova events, called it a "once-in-a-lifetime event." She explained that this cosmic phenomenon will inspire a new generation of astronomers, encouraging young people to observe the event, ask questions, and gather their own data. Dr. Hounsell shared these insights during an interview with the Independent.
Astronomers first observed the star in Germany in 1217, where it emerged as a bright mark in the night sky due to a brief but powerful explosion. Burchard of Ursberg, the first person to witness the new star, described it as "a faint star that for a time shone with great light."
"Typically, nova events are so faint and far away that it’s hard to identify where the erupting energy is concentrated. This one will be close, with a lot of eyes on it, studying the various wavelengths and hopefully giving us data to start unlocking the structure and specific processes involved. We can’t wait to get the full picture of what’s going on," said Dr. Elizabeth Hays, chief of the Astroparticle Physics Laboratory at NASA Goddard told the Independent.
However, the "new star" isn't the only celestial event to look forward to in October; a "comet of the century" will pass by Earth after 80,000 years.
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