Together, let's watch science unfold. Anticipating the nova T Coronae Borealis (T CBr) in late summer 2024, I have tried to get an image of the Northern Crown every clear night since June 15. Through September 14 the nova hasn't appeared.
To find it, about a half hour or more after sunset, follow the arc of the Big Dipper's handle to the bright star Arcturus. Go up and slightly right to a star (in Bootes), then up and to the left that far again to the similarly bright Alphecca (or Gemma), the gem star in the Northern Crown.
If a new star appears about as bright as 2nd-magnitude Gemma and to its upper left, the nova may be underway. Keep imaging the starfield to track the nova's rise in brightness. It may peak for a day or two, then start to fade back into obscurity over the ensuing weeks.
Below are the individual images from June 18 to September 14, 2024, with Corona Borealis visible. Exposures may be up to 3 seconds.
Hopefully the new starlight emerges during a clear late summer night before Corona Borealis disappears for the season. Until the recurrent explosion reaches our eyes, we collectively can scrutinize the prediction that the pre-eruption dip suggests a late 2024 phenomenon.
Quick, start looking up. Get out your cell phone and image Corona Borealis every night. Be the science, rather than be told the science.
Comments