Photo: MARK GARLICK/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Science Photo Library / Getty Images
A rare nova outburst visible to the naked eye is expected to light up the night sky this year, offering a unique stargazing opportunity.
The event will be caused by the binary star system T Coronae Borealis, located 3,000 light-years away, where a white dwarf star will trigger a bright flash of nuclear fusion after siphoning material from its red giant companion.
The outburst, expected between February and September 2024, will be visible in the Corona Borealis constellation and may shine as brightly as the North Star for about a week before fading.
This once-in-a-lifetime event occurs approximately every 80 years and presents a rare chance for skywatchers to witness the phenomenon.
According to Space.com, to spot the outburst, viewers should point their gaze to Corona Borealis, which lies between the constellations Boötes and Hercules. The outburst will appear as a bright "new" star in the night sky.
LISTEN TO THE MORNING BREEZE ON DEMAND HERE: