For centuries, sky watchers have been astonished by the sudden emergence of a brilliant new star in the night sky, only to watch it disappear days later.
This event is due to a star system known as **T Coronae Borealis**—often referred to as “T CrB,” with the nickname “Blaze Star.” Approximately every 80 years, this system undergoes a magnificent nova eruption. Astronomers, including those affiliated with **NASA**, had predicted the forthcoming explosion to take place around the summer of 2024. However, as of 2025, the star remains dormant. So, what’s causing the delay?
The recurrent nova, situated around 3,000 light-years from **Earth**, is initiated by the interactions of two stars in orbit. At the core of this system is a white dwarf—a compact, Earth-sized remnant of a sun-like star that has previously exploded. This white dwarf is drawing gas from its neighboring **red supergiant star**. Over many years, the accumulated gas builds up on the surface of the white dwarf. Eventually, the resulting heat and pressure trigger a violent thermonuclear explosion, resulting in a nova.
Nevertheless, accurately predicting the specific timing of such cosmic occurrences is challenging.
“We are anticipating the emergence of a ‘new’ star, but we cannot pinpoint precisely when it will happen,” NASA stated in a recent update. “The star is extracting material from its companion, and over the years it gathers enough to cause an eruption. But we cannot determine how rapidly the material is piling up!”
NASA mentioned that while there are indications the eruption might occur soon, “soon” could refer to today—or even next year (2026).
Even though astronomers were optimistic for an explosion in 2024, the star’s unpredictable nature is not entirely surprising. Researchers continue to decode the enigmas surrounding these spectacular cosmic eruptions.
“Recurrent novae are inherently unpredictable and contrary,” noted Dr. Koji Mukai, a NASA astrophysicist, in a statement from 2024. “Just when you think there’s no discernible reason they adhere to a particular pattern, they do—and just as you begin to depend on them maintaining that pattern, they divert completely. We’ll observe how T CrB behaves.”
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### **How to Locate T Coronae Borealis When It Erupts**
While the timing of T Coronae Borealis’ next explosion remains unclear, astronomers are certain about its location in the night sky. NASA provides tips for stargazers:
The **Northern Crown**, or Corona Borealis, is a horseshoe-shaped formation of stars situated west of the Hercules constellation. To locate it, find the two brightest stars in the Northern Hemisphere—**Arcturus** and **Vega**—and trace an imaginary line between them. This line will direct you towards Hercules and the Corona Borealis.
During the summer months, the Northern Crown becomes visible after dusk, creating optimal viewing conditions.
But don’t take your eyes off it—once T Coronae Borealis erupts, it will be visible to the naked eye for less than a week. This brief brilliance resembles how it was documented centuries ago, dating back to the Middle Ages.
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### **A Brief, Fiery Display**
Once the Blaze Star erupts, it will quickly fade, leaving both astronomers and sky watchers to wait another 80 years for its next show. As vast amounts of gas accumulate on the white dwarf’s surface once more, the cycle will continue.
And then—**boom**—the universe will sparkle again.