T Coronae Borealis (The Blaze Star): Observing Before Explosion in 2024

The binary star T Coronae Borealis is expected to go nova in 2024. To prepare for this stellar event, I share why it’s special and share how the star appears before it explodes using an astrophoto and a sketch taken from my backyard in Seattle in June 2024. The binary is also registered as T CrB, SAO 84129, HR 5958, HD 143454, HIP 78322.

Zeta Coronae Borealis: A Double Once Referred to as Smalt Blue

In August 1831, astronomer Admiral Smyth described the color of this double star as “smalt blue” — an intriguing description for pale blue stars. Regardless of various accounts of their color, the pair make for a pretty pair of late spring in Corona Borealis.