If you are into space or amateur astronomy you have probably heard news or seen some discussion of the impending nova of T Coronae Borealis, aka T CrB, aka HIP 78322, aka the “Blaze Star”. T Coronae Borealis is a recurrent nova about 3000 light-years from Earth in the constellation of Corona Borealis. Here is the scoop on this recurring nova, at least the way I understand it…

T Coronae Borealis (T CrB) or the “Blaze Star” is a recurring nova with a cycle of around 80 years. Blaze Star outburst were recorded in the years 1217, 1787, 1866, and 1946. The last outburst in 1946, was just 78 years ago. About 10 years ago the T CrB brightened a bit… increasing from around mag 10.3 to mag 9.8. Then in April 2023 T CrB dimmed from mag 9.8 to mag 12. This similar pattern was observed leading up to the outburst in February 1946 when it increased in brightness to around mag 3.

It is this pattern that is fueling the prediction that an outburst, or nova, is likely to occur between Jun 2024 and September 2024. When T CrB does nova it is expect to increase to mag 2-3, about as bright as Polaris.

Will we see T Coronae Borealis nova in the next couple of months? Definitely… Probably… Maybe… That’s what folks are saying… Hopefully… It has only been 78 years since T CrB’s last outburst so… my guess would be that it could happen anytime between now and the next couple years.
My plan is to capture at least a little light from the Blaze Star during any session I can, maybe we will get lucky.

Here are a few resources on the Blaze Star and it’s upcoming nova:

• A nice information sheet on T Coronae Borealis from NASA.
• T Coronae Borealis Wikipedia Page
• T CrB Observations
• SkyandTelescope – Is T CrB about to blow its top?
• Space.com – Evidence of mysterious ‘recurring nova’ that could reappear in 2024 found in medieval manuscript from 1217
• CloudyNights Discussion – Last Chance Observing the Nova called T Coronae Borealis in Your Lifetime
• BBC Sky at Night – T Coronae Borealis nova could become a ‘new star’ in the sky any day now, and will be as bright as the North Star
• Earth.com – Blaze Star: Huge stellar explosion will be visible from Earth for a week

Fingers-crossed that we get lucky. Clear skies…