This image shows the constellation Corona Borealis and the recurrent nova T Corona Borealis (T CrB). I used a star tracker mount with a Canon 60D and 50mm lens, w/wo a Kenko Pro Softon filter to collect the image data. The Kenko Pro Softon filter makes the constellation stars stand out.
Recurrent nova are binary star systems consisting of a white dwarf and a companion star, typically a red giant. The red giant in the T CrB system is the donor star, transferring mass onto the white dwarf. As material accumulates on the surface of the white dwarf, it undergoes periodic thermonuclear explosions, leading to recurrent nova outbursts. T CrB period is about 80 years. The last recorded outburst of T CrB occurred in 1946. Current observations of T CrB show it dimming, an indicator that T CrB will nova soon (by September?). It is expected to become as bright as the North Star, Polaris, for several hours.
There is a wonderful talk about
Recurrent Nova T CrB Coming Soon to a Sky Near You! by Dr. Brad Schaefer on The American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO) YT channel. Find where to look before it explodes. Stellarium Mobile app is a good choice. Create a free account at
AAVSO and sign up to get a notification when it occurs.
Comments