A double star known as V Sagittae in the constellation Sagitta has been identified as a candidate to trigger a Type Ia supernova that could be as bright as the moon.
- The system’s setup: V Sagittae is a binary system where a white dwarf is pulling mass from a larger companion star.
- The process: This “cannibalistic” act of mass transfer creates an accretion disk and causes the white dwarf to heat up and grow in mass.
- The impending explosion: The white dwarf is approaching the Chandrasekhar limit (of 1.4 solar masses), the point at which its internal pressure can no longer support its own weight against gravity. Once this limit is reached, it will trigger a Type Ia supernova.
- The timeline: While the exact date is uncertain, a major event is expected to occur around the end of the 21st century, possibly around 2083. However, recent studies suggest it could happen sooner, with a potential nova outburst in the coming years.
- The visibility: The supernova is expected to be extremely bright, potentially shining as brightly as the full moon and visible even in the daytime from Earth.
- The significance: This event would provide a unique opportunity for astronomers to study the violent death of a binary star system directly.
This constellation is situated between the constellations Cygnus and Aquila.
For a deeper explanation of what is happening, see this video from SPACE.com
Tom Kimber – News