Brightest nova in generations free webinar by Brad Schaefer

On August 17, 2024, at 9:30 p.m. Philippine Standard Time (9:30 a.m. EDT), the ALP Astronomy Expert Series will feature an online talk by Dr. Brad Schaefer, Professor Emeritus of Astronomy & Astrophysics at Louisiana State University. Dr. Schaefer will discuss the highly anticipated explosion of the recurrent nova T Coronae Borealis (T CrB), an event that is expected to light up the night sky any time now.

ALP Astronomy Expert Series 2024: The brightest nova in generations is coming soon to your backyard, featuring Dr. Brad Schaefer

The recurrent nova T Coronae Borealis, often referred to as T CrB, is on the brink of an explosion, predicted to occur within the next few months. This nova, when it erupts, will become one of the brightest stars visible in the night sky. For a few days, the cosmic explosion will be easily observable to anyone under a dark and clear sky. This occurrence will mark the brightest nova seen in the past 78 years, with the last such event being T CrB’s own eruption in 1946.

A notable highlight of Dr. Schaefer's career is his involvement with the Supernova Cosmology Project, which co-discovered the acceleration of the Universe and the existence of Dark Energy. This groundbreaking research has significantly advanced our understanding of the cosmos and earned widespread recognition within the scientific community.

The recurrent nova T Coronae Borealis has fascinated astronomers for decades. A nova is a powerful explosion that occurs when a white dwarf star accretes material from its companion star, leading to a thermonuclear runaway on its surface. T CrB is classified as a recurrent nova because it has experienced multiple outbursts over the years, with notable eruptions recorded in 1866 and 1946. The expected 2024 eruption is anticipated to be an extraordinary event, providing a rare and spectacular sight for both professional astronomers and amateur stargazers.

The recurrent nova T Coronae Borealis (T CrB) is expected to explode any night now

The upcoming eruption of T CrB will be a significant astronomical event, visible to the naked eye. It presents a unique opportunity for individuals around the world to witness a stellar phenomenon that is both beautiful and scientifically important. Observers are encouraged to find a location with minimal light pollution to fully appreciate the brightness and clarity of the nova.

• Date: August 17, 2024
• Time: 9:30 p.m. Philippine Standard Time (9:30 a.m. EDT)
• Speaker: Dr. Brad Schaefer, Professor Emeritus of Astronomy & Astrophysics, Louisiana State University
• Topic: The recurrent nova T Coronae Borealis and its impending eruption
• Format: Online talk

This event is part of the ALP Astronomy Expert Series, which aims to bring together leading astronomers to share their knowledge and insights with the public. Dr. Schaefer’s presentation on T Coronae Borealis promises to be an enlightening and engaging experience, offering a deep dive into the science behind recurrent novae and the unique characteristics of T CrB.

For more information and to register for the event, interested participants can visit the ALP Astronomy Expert Series website. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from one of the foremost experts in the field and to potentially witness one of the most spectacular astronomical events of our time.

About Brad Schaefer

Dr. Brad Schaefer, the keynote speaker for this event, is a highly respected figure in the field of astronomy and astrophysics. He earned his Ph.D. from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in 1983 and has since dedicated his career to a wide array of astrophysical phenomena. His expertise spans Gamma-Ray Bursts, supernovae, supernova remnants, supernova progenitors, historical records of supernovae, novae, recurrent novae, superflare stars, low-mass X-ray binaries, eclipsing binaries, and various celestial bodies including Nereid, Pluto, and Kuiper Belt Objects. Additionally, his work encompasses sunspot counts and archaeoastronomy.