T Coronae Borealis’ Nova Outburst May Happen Soon, Experts Suggest
Astronomers continue to monitor the Corona Borealis constellation for a rare celestial event — the expected eruption of T Coronae Borealis (T CrB), as per sources. This binary star system, home to a white dwarf and a red giant, is predicted to produce a nova, briefly illuminating the night sky with a brightness comparable to Polaris, the North Star. While initial predictions placed the event as imminent by September 2023, observations suggest the outburst could occur later than anticipated.
A History of Eruptions
According to a report by Space.com, T CrB has a history of dramatic eruptions, with confirmed events in May 1866 and February 1946. These outbursts occur when the white dwarf accumulates sufficient material from the red giant, triggering a nuclear explosion. Previous eruptions have followed an 80-year cycle, suggesting the next event might occur by 2026. However, brightness changes observed in 2015 and dimming patterns similar to those preceding the 1946 eruption have led to revised estimates, prompting predictions for 2023 or 2024.
Monitoring the System
As per the report, data is being gathered using an array of space and ground-based telescopes, including NASA’s Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope, the James Webb Space Telescope, and the Very Large Array in New Mexico. Elizabeth Hays, an astrophysicist monitoring T CrB with Fermi, indicated to Space.com that while signs point to an impending eruption, pinpointing the exact timeline remains elusive.
Edward Sion, professor of astronomy at Villanova University, highlighted the complexities of the accretion process. He told the publication that the challenges posed by fluctuating rates of material transfer between the stars, which add uncertainty to the prediction.
The Wait Continues
Until the eruption occurs, astronomers are using this opportunity to collect unprecedented data. Observations across multiple wavelengths are being conducted to better understand the behaviour of novae. Experts suggest these findings will enhance future predictive models and deepen insights into stellar phenomena.
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A 7,000-year-old femur bone belonging to an antelope, discovered in a South African cave, has revealed the earliest confirmed use of a multi-component arrow poison. Three modified bone arrowheads were found embedded within the marrow cavity, and a recent scientific analysis has identified a mixture of plant-based toxins. This discovery provides new insight into the pharmacological knowledge and hunting practices of early humans, highlighting the complexity of their technological advancements and understanding of toxic substances.
Scientific Analysis of the Poisonous Compound
According to the reports published in The Conversation, Justin Bradfield, Associate professor at University of Johannesburg along with other researchers examined the femur using micro-CT imaging. The sediment-like substance inside the marrow cavity was found to be foreign matter rather than natural deposits. Chemical analysis confirmed the presence of digitoxin and strophanthidin, toxic cardiac glycosides that disrupt heart function. Ricinoleic acid, a derivative of ricin, was also detected, suggesting the use of multiple plant sources to create a potent poison.
Implications for Ancient Trade and Knowledge Systems
As per the research, the plants containing these toxic compounds are not naturally found near Kruger Cave, where the femur was originally discovered. No remains of these plants have been identified in previous archaeobotanical studies of the region. This suggests that early humans either travelled long distances to acquire these materials or engaged in an organised trade network for toxic plant ingredients. Such findings highlight the extensive knowledge early societies had regarding medicinal and toxic plants and their application in hunting strategies.
Historical Context of Poison Use in Hunting
Previous evidence of poison use dates back approximately 60,000 years, coinciding with the development of projectile hunting technology in Africa. While chemical verification of such early poison use remains unconfirmed, the newly analysed femur provides the first concrete proof of a deliberately mixed poison for arrows. The application of plant-based toxins to hunting weapons marks a significant evolutionary step in the efficiency of ancient hunting techniques, demonstrating a sophisticated level of planning and knowledge transfer among early human groups.
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The explosion of SpaceX’s Starship Flight 7 in mid-January has sparked discussions among experts about its potential environmental impact. The upper stage of the rocket, which weighed approximately 85 tons without fuel, exploded at an altitude of around 90 miles (146 kilometres). Fragments of the disintegrated spacecraft were reported to have fallen over the Caribbean. Preliminary estimates suggest that the event may have generated significant quantities of metal oxides and nitrogen oxides, pollutants known for their effects on Earth’s ozone layer and atmospheric composition. Scientists are evaluating the extent of contamination left in the upper atmosphere due to the mishap.
Estimates of Emissions from the Explosion
As reported by space.com, according to a preliminary assessment by University College London atmospheric chemistry researcher Connor Barker, approximately 45.5 metric tons of metal oxides and 40 metric tons of nitrogen oxides may have been released into the atmosphere during the incident. Barker noted to space.com over an email that the amount of metal pollution potentially generated was roughly a third of the annual influx of meteorite material into the Earth’s atmosphere. The figures remain rough estimates rather than definitive calculations of the environmental impact.
Potential Risks to the Atmosphere
Space debris expert Jonathan McDowell stated to Space.com that “many tons” of the spacecraft’s remains likely splashed into the ocean, reducing the potential airborne pollution. Unlike many satellites and traditional rocket stages made from aluminium, Starship’s stainless steel composition limits the production of aluminium oxides, which are known to impact the ozone layer and atmospheric reflectivity.
With the increasing frequency of satellite re-entries and rocket launches, scientists are raising concerns about the cumulative impact of these pollutants. Research suggests that nitrogen oxides and metal particulates accumulating in the mesosphere and upper stratosphere could affect climate patterns and slow ozone layer recovery.
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