Where is the nova in the sky?

On August 8, 2021, the star RS Ophiuchi burst into view in Earth’s sky as what astronomers call a nova. It’s a rare nova visible to the unaided eye. It’s nowhere near as bright as the brightest stars. But, in a dark sky, you can see it shining in the constellation Ophiuchus the Serpent Bearer.

What is nova in sky?

A nova (plural novae or novas) is a transient astronomical event that causes the sudden appearance of a bright, apparently “new” star, that slowly fades over several weeks or many months. Causes of the dramatic appearance of a nova vary, depending on the circumstances of the two progenitor stars.

Where is the nova in Ophiuchus?

RS Ophiuchi (RS Oph) is a recurrent nova system approximately 5,000 light-years away in the constellation Ophiuchus. In its quiet phase it has an apparent magnitude of about 12.5.

How long is a nova visible?

A nova is a dramatic episode in the life of a binary pair of stars. It’s an explosion of bright light that can last weeks or even months. And though they’re not exactly rare – there are about 10 each year in the Milky Way – astronomers have never watched one from start to finish. Until now.

What would happen to Earth if a star exploded?

An explosion of a nearby star might leave Earth and its surface and ocean life relatively intact. But any relatively nearby explosion would still shower us with gamma rays and other high-energy radiation. This radiation could cause mutations in earthly life.

Will the sun go nova?

Our sun is too small to go nova or supernova. It will ultimately enter a red giant stage and then collapse as a white dwarf. A white dwarf needs a close red giant companion from which it can acquire sufficient material to collapse and to explode as a supernova.

How do you see a supernova?

To find and observe supernovae, you will need a telescope that can see a reasonable number of galaxies, so probably 6 inches in aperture at least. You will also need to be familiar enough with the sky that you can find them fairly quickly.