Star Trek not only takes place among the stars, but sometimes it even stands at the center of an episode’s plot. A special event, which Picard and Co. have already dealt with, can soon be observed in the sky: a nova. We explain to you where to look and what you will see there.
A nova (almost) like in Star Trek: “On screen, Mr. Crusher,” commands Captain Picard. The glowing inferno fills the view: a binary star system. In the TNG episode The Power of the Nanites, the crew of the USS Enterprise NCC 1701-D explores a binary brother pair, a neutron star, and a red giant.
Soon, the companion of the swollen colossus will become the center of a massive explosion, a nova. Is it all just science fiction? No, we will soon experience a nearly identical event ourselves – but it is unique in all of our lifetimes. Because the light from T Coronae Borealis (T CrB) will soon be one of the brightest in our night sky for several days.
A cosmic fireworks every 80 years
What is T Coronae Borealis? Behind the cryptically sounding astronomical designation lies a cataclysmically variable binary star. A white dwarf and a red giant rotate around a common center. The distance to Earth is approximately 2,700 light-years.
- A white dwarf is what remains of a star like our sun at the end of its existence. It is tiny in cosmic comparison to other stars but is still extremely hot and much more compact.
- A red giant represents the final phase in the life of a sun-like star before it becomes a white dwarf. It has expanded and continuously sheds its outer layers over time.
Every 80 years, the red giant and the white dwarf in T Coronae Borealis together create a cosmic spectacle. Something similar could happen in Star Trek through the interaction of a neutron star/red giant duo.
- A neutron star is the final stage of a very massive star and a remnant of a supernova. The heaviest stars in the universe collapse into black holes.
What explodes in T Coronae Borealis? The fuel for the globally visible explosion is primarily hydrogen, in vast amounts. It has been siphoned off the red giant brother by the white dwarf due to its higher gravitational influence. The material settles as a disc or ring-like structure over the surface of the diminutive star. The more mass gathers, the deeper it sinks, until the mixture ignites on the surface of the white dwarf.
Unlike a supernova, the original star is not changed; thus, the white dwarf does not collapse into a neutron star or a black hole, but remains as it is. It continues its cosmic meal and grazes matter from the shell of its larger brother again for about 80 years. Therefore, the next nova that will illuminate the cosmos is guaranteed.
T Coronae Borealis is one of only ten known recurring novae.
How to observe the nova in T Coronae Borealis
How can the nova be observed? Once astronomers report that they have sighted the nova, you need nothing more than your bare eyes and a bit of luck. The event will likely be visible in the night sky for several days simply under clear skies.
To find the nova, you need to look for the constellation Corona Borealis; just below, a distinctly bright star will catch your eye. To reliably find the shifting region in the sky month after month, we refer you to the Union of Star Friends and their overview maps for the wandering stars.
When will the nova occur in T Coronae Borealis? Research expects the explosion to happen sometime between now and the end of September 2024. Just save this article; we will keep you updated.
How do we know when the nova will occur? Historical records clearly show a rhythm of 80 years. And even though only about 78 years have passed since the last nova in 1946, observations indicate a slightly shortened cycle this time.
Because the brightness of the star increased roughly ten years before a nova and then decreased back to normal levels before eventually resulting in the hydrogen explosion.
Worthwhile visualization: You can also find a visually great processing of the topic at the Swiss Radio. They present an interactive special website with many animations that visually bring you closer to what is described here beyond text.
And those who want to get to know the humorous side of Star Trek with Picard, Wesley, and Data beyond rather down-to-earth stories under the stars might take a look at the following opinion article from us. There, Linda Baumgartl explains why she particularly enjoys the animated story Star Trek: Lower Decks.
