Discover the 'Blaze Star' amidst Spring's Celestial Constellations: an Evening's Astronomical Spectacle
Get ready for some celestial excitement this weekend! Here's your guide to stargazing highlights for the Northern Hemisphere mid-northern latitudes. For more detailed articles, check out my main feed.
Friday, March 21: Spotted the Great Spring Triangle?
Let's celebrate the arrival of spring with the Great Spring Triangle! Face northeast and you'll spot the Big Dipper dipping downwards. Follow the handle to Arcturus, a red giant star that's about 37 light-years away in the eastern sky. Then, take a spike to the southeast and find Spica just above the horizon. Connect these stars with Denebola in Leo to create the Great Spring Triangle.
Saturday, March 22: Time for Last Quarter Moon
Tonight, the moon reaches its last quarter phase in the constellation Sagittarius. With the moon rising at midnight, you'll enjoy 10 completely moonless evening skies that are perfect for finding constellations.
Sunday, March 23: Keep an Eye on Corona Borealis
Gear up for a potential astronomical spectacle! Corona Borealis, also known as the Northern Crown, could soon host an eighth star—but only for a few days. Our best guess is that the Blaze Star (T Corona Borealis) may go nova and explode on March 27. Here's how to find it:
- Identify Vega in the Lyra constellation.
- Find Arcturus in the Boötes constellation, which rises in the east.
- Between these two stars, look for Corona Borealis, a semicircular pattern of seven stars.
- T CrB is close to the fifth brightest star in Corona Borealis (ε CrB).
While we anxiously wait for this potential event, be sure to enjoy the beauty of the night sky! And remember, for accurate location-specific information, check out online planetariums like Stellarium.
Clear skies and wide eyes!
Note: The expected explosion date for T Coronae Borealis (the Blaze Star) is uncertain and ranges from April 2024 to October 2025. Some sources suggest there's a possibility of the nova event occurring around mid-2025 or even on March 27, 2025, although these dates are not confirmed. To help you locate T CrB, focus on finding IC4587, an elliptical galaxy near T CorB. Good luck, stargazers!
- Next weekend, make sure to look out for the potential aurora borealis display, especially as solar maximum approaches.
- As you plan your stargazing sessions this weekend, remember to search for the constellations Corona Borealis and the Great Spring Triangle.
- If you're keen on stargazing this weekend, don't forget to check the northern lights forecast as well as the last quarter moon phase forecast for more celestial wonders.
