T Coronae Borealis is binary system comprising a white dwarf and an ancient red star (Image: Ron Miller/Stocktrek Images via Getty Images)
Violent supernova explosions have been linked to at least two mass extinctions on Earth in the distant past, according to experts. However, the impending, albeit smaller, explosion of T Coronae Borealis is thought to be too far away to impact life on our planet.
This comes as a relief, especially since a top astronomer has forecasted that the massive object, also known as the Blaze Star, is set to explode in a spectacular cosmic display today, which should be visible from the UK.
The Blaze Star is known for its recurring nova explosions approximately every 79 years, and NASA scientists have predicted it's due for another eruption. The star's last recorded explosion was nearly 80 years ago, and it's showing all the signs of being ready to erupt again.
A paper published last year in Research Notes of the American Astronomical Society suggested that the star was most likely to explode on Thursday, March 27.
Read more... Star watchers on alert as binary star overdue for nova explosion
You can spot the coming nova by following the 'handle of the distinctive Plough constellation (Image: Getty)
Jean Schneider of the Paris Observatory has stated that, given the star's orbital cycles, it's most likely to blow today.
However, if that fails to occur, the next most likely dates are November 10, 2025 and June 25, 2026.
T Coronae Borealis is located around 3,000 light years from Earth. You can spot it by first locating the Big Dipper/Plough, one of the most recognisable patterns in the night sky.
Follow the line of its 'handle' to Arcturus. From there, you will see Vega, a very bright blue-white star.
At least two mass extinction events in Earth's history were likely caused by the effects of nearby supernova explosions (Image: Getty Images)
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Corona Borealis is a dimmer body of light just between them.
T Coronae, also known as the Blaze Star, is a binary system consisting of a white dwarf and an ancient red giant star locked in a deadly cosmic dance. White dwarf stars are dense balls of hot gas with a mass equivalent to our Sun but confined to a space barely larger than Earth.
A red giant, on the other hand, is a star nearing its end, having almost exhausted its hydrogen supply and thus losing its fuel for nuclear fusion.
In the case of the Blaze Star, hydrogen from the red giant star is being pulled onto the surface of the white dwarf, leading to a buildup of pressure and heat that eventually triggers a massive thermonuclear explosion.
A red giant star and white dwarf orbit each other in this artist's of a nova similar to T Coronae Borealis (Image: NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center)
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This explosion will result in a bright new star visible in the night sky for up to a week.
Currently, the Blaze Star is faintly visible to the naked eye, provided you're away from bright city lights. However, once the explosion occurs, this colossal cosmic event will appear as bright as the North Star.
If you miss it, the next detonation of this mighty star system is expected around 2014. The next true supernova explosion visible from Earth is anticipated to be Betelgeuse, the shoulder of Orion, which scientists expect could happen at any moment.
Despite its brightness, outshining even the full Moon from about 500 light years away, it's unlikely to have any significant impact on us here on Earth.
