Nova expected in the constellation Northern Crown

Following observations in 1866 and 1946, experts are expecting another outburst of a nova in the constellation Corona Borealis (Northern Crown) in 2024, which will probably be visible to the naked eye. The predictions are still somewhat uncertain, but assume an appearance by September 2024. The brightness is expected to be 2-3 mag, which is in the mid-range of stars that can be observed with the unaided eye. Normally, the brightness of the two stars involved is around 10.8 mag, so they can only be seen in larger amateur telescopes. The distance is about 2700 light years.

In contrast to a supernova, a nova is a recurring event in which matter flows from a red giant star onto its much smaller companion, a white dwarf. When a critical mass of the white dwarf is reached, a thermonuclear explosion occurs in which the accumulated matter is ejected into space. This process takes place periodically.

The Northern Crown is currently (last third of March 2024) located late in the evening between the constellations Hercules and Ursa Major in the eastern night sky.