Recurrent Nova Binary System
T Coronae Borealis is in its quiet state at magnitude 10.00 ± 0.05
Last measured: 2025-12-19 01:56:21 UTC
T Coronae Borealis is a recurrent nova system containing a white dwarf primary star and a red giant companion in close orbital proximity. Material transferred from the red giant accumulates on the white dwarf's surface until critical conditions trigger a thermonuclear runaway reaction.
Currently at magnitude 10.00 ± 0.05, the system is in its quiescent state between nova events, requiring telescopic observation.
During nova events, T Coronae Borealis can brighten dramatically to magnitude 2.0 over hours to days, making it easily visible without optical aid as an apparent "new star" in the sky. These eruptions typically remain visible for weeks to months.
Located approximately 3,000 light-years away in Corona Borealis, this system provides astronomers with valuable data on stellar evolution and white dwarf accretion physics.