In February 1946, while waiting for his father, 15-year-old Michael Woodman from Newport made a remarkable observation from his bedroom window. Amid the constellation of Corona Borealis, he noticed a bright star that he had never seen before. He quickly wrote to the Astronomer Royal, who confirmed his discovery—he was the first in the UK to report T Cor Bor, a star system approximately 3,000 light years away, which had briefly flared up.
Fast forward to today, Woodman, now 94, recalls that night with wonder, reflecting on the luck of witnessing such a rare event. As astronomers gear up for another potential eruption, they are hopeful that T Cor Bor will shine brightly again. Dr. Jenifer Millard from Fifth Star Labs explains that while the star is currently dim, it could soon become visible for a short time, making it a unique sight to witness.
For those looking to observe T Cor Bor, Dr. Millard suggests locating the constellation Ursa Major and following it to Arcturus, from which one can find the seven stars forming Corona Borealis, where T Cor Bor may appear. While invisible to the naked eye as of now, it could be observed through binoculars or small telescopes during its brief display.
The phenomenon occurs due to the interaction of a dying red giant star and a white dwarf, which siphons material from the giant, eventually leading to a stellar explosion known as a nova. This dramatic event results in a burst of brightness that can outshine surrounding stars.
Historically, such displays have been challenging to predict, with occasional false alarms leading to disappointment. However, astronomer Dr. Chris North at Cardiff University expresses optimism as current brightness hints at an imminent eruption.
Michael Woodman hopes he will be fortunate enough to see T Cor Bor illuminate the sky once more. “If I’m alive, and I see it, I will be the only one who’s seen it twice,” he concludes, filled with nostalgia and excitement, urging everyone to keep an eye on the night sky.
With stargazers eagerly awaiting this celestial display, the world is preparing for a collective gaze into the universe, ready to celebrate a rare star that has become a beacon of wonder for astronomers and enthusiasts alike.
Fast forward to today, Woodman, now 94, recalls that night with wonder, reflecting on the luck of witnessing such a rare event. As astronomers gear up for another potential eruption, they are hopeful that T Cor Bor will shine brightly again. Dr. Jenifer Millard from Fifth Star Labs explains that while the star is currently dim, it could soon become visible for a short time, making it a unique sight to witness.
For those looking to observe T Cor Bor, Dr. Millard suggests locating the constellation Ursa Major and following it to Arcturus, from which one can find the seven stars forming Corona Borealis, where T Cor Bor may appear. While invisible to the naked eye as of now, it could be observed through binoculars or small telescopes during its brief display.
The phenomenon occurs due to the interaction of a dying red giant star and a white dwarf, which siphons material from the giant, eventually leading to a stellar explosion known as a nova. This dramatic event results in a burst of brightness that can outshine surrounding stars.
Historically, such displays have been challenging to predict, with occasional false alarms leading to disappointment. However, astronomer Dr. Chris North at Cardiff University expresses optimism as current brightness hints at an imminent eruption.
Michael Woodman hopes he will be fortunate enough to see T Cor Bor illuminate the sky once more. “If I’m alive, and I see it, I will be the only one who’s seen it twice,” he concludes, filled with nostalgia and excitement, urging everyone to keep an eye on the night sky.
With stargazers eagerly awaiting this celestial display, the world is preparing for a collective gaze into the universe, ready to celebrate a rare star that has become a beacon of wonder for astronomers and enthusiasts alike.
