Join NASA Solar System Ambassador, Donald Miller, PhD., for an exploration into the lifecycle of stars!  A special focus will be given to the Blaze Star which is about to put on a rare stellar display due to stellar aging.  From birth through adulthood, to old age and eventual death, we are familiar with this progression for all life forms.  Stars have the same progression but on a much different timescale.  They live long lives, by human standards, converting hydrogen into helium and perhaps other elements if the star is of sufficient mass. 

This presentation will review the lifecycle of stars and the ways that they can die.  Some go out with a beautiful cloud of gas while others literally go out with a bang.  Our own sun will eventually swell and perhaps engulf the Earth before it ends its lifecycle as a white dwarf.

T Corona Borealis, nicknamed the Blaze Star, can be seen currently in our northern sky.  It appears as one star when in actuality it is two stars.  One star has already ended its life and is sucking material from the still living sister star.  Eventually, this will lead to an explosion which will make T Corona Borealis suddenly appear in the sky, visible to the naked eye.  This presentation will review what we know about this interesting star.

We hope you can join us for this illuminating event!  Henrietta Hankin Branch Library supports PA Forward Civic And Social Literacy.