Brace yourselves, sky-watchers and selfie enthusiasts! Astronomers are expecting a 'new star' to appear in the night sky anytime between now and September 2024. This highly anticipated event, known as a nova, will take place in the Milky Way's Corona Borealis constellation, conveniently located between Boötes and Hercules. (No, Hercules isn't holding it up for a better view.) source: CNN | source: CBS News.

Dubbed T Coronae Borealis, or the 'Blaze Star' for those who like their stars with a side of flair, this star system consists of a dead white dwarf star and an aging red giant star. And like any celebrity couple, they have their dramatic moments. Every 80 years or so, this stellar duo experiences a nova due to interactions between the white dwarf and red giant. The last time they put on such a show was in 1946, the golden age of classic novae. source: CNN | source: CBS News.

This year's spectacle is expected to be as bright as the North Star (Polaris), which means it will not only light up our night but probably light up your Instagram feed too. For a few days, you can see the nova without any special equipment—just your eyeballs will do. With binoculars or a telescope, the celestial fireworks can be enjoyed for over a week. source: CNN.

Dr. Rebekah Hounsell, an esteemed astronomer, notes that this event will inspire a new generation of star-gazers and night-sky enthusiasts. Citizen scientists and space lovers are encouraged to observe the nova and even contribute data, making this a truly inclusive cosmic celebration. Who knew science could be crowd-sourced? source: CNN | source: CBS News.

The nova will make its grand appearance in a small arc between the Boötes and Hercules constellations, readily visible from the Northern Hemisphere. The easiest way to locate the northern Crown (Corona Borealis) is by finding the two brightest stars in the Northern Hemisphere, Arcturus and Vega. source: CNN.

Dr. William J. Cooke has reassured everyone that as we approach the event, the brightness of T Coronae Borealis is expected to increase significantly. So, there'll be plenty of time to dust off those telescopes and prepare your night-sky photography equipment. source: CNN.

In a world where earthly troubles often cloud our vision, this nova offers a celestial breath of fresh air. Whether you're an astrophysicist, a casual stargazer, or just someone looking for the perfect new hashtag, the upcoming explosion in the Corona Borealis constellation is set to be the highlight of the year. Get ready to witness #CoronaBorealis2024 – the stellar event that's bound to earn more likes than your morning latte.

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