You can see a massive star explosion with naked eyes in the sky
A dramatic astronomical event unfolded in the southern constellation Lupus on June 12, 2025, when a star known as V462 Lup exploded in a classical nova, increasing its brightness more than four million times in just days.The outburst, now at magnitude +5.7, has pushed the nova just above the threshold for naked-eye visibility, offering a rare spectacle for skywatchers across the Southern Hemisphere.advertisementThe nova was captured in stunning detail by Dawid Mozdzierski from the Atacama Desert in Chile, while South Korean astronomer Bum-Suk Yeom published a finder chart to help enthusiasts locate the transient star in the night sky.
Photo: Bum-Suk Yeom
Classical novas like V462 Lup occur in binary star systems, where a dense white dwarf siphons gas from a bloated companion star.When enough material accumulates, it triggers a sudden thermonuclear explosion, causing the system to brighten dramatically.Such naked-eye novas are uncommon, typically appearing only about once a year, and most hover so close to the limit of human vision that they often go unnoticed. V462 Lup's rapid rise to magnitude +5.7 places it just within reach for unaided observers under dark skies, though its future remains uncertain. 'Will V462 Lup continue to brighten and clear this low bar? Or fade before most people can see it?' asked one astronomer, highlighting the fleeting nature of these cosmic events.
A newly-discovered nova in Lupus, V462 Lupi, which is going to be a naked-eye nova. (Photo: Dawid Mozdzierski)
advertisementThe explosion of V462 Lup is a reminder of the dynamic and ever-changing universe.First documented by Chinese astronomers two millennia ago, novas continue to fascinate scientists and stargazers alike.For now, those in the Southern Hemisphere have a rare opportunity to witness a stellar explosion with their own eyes—if they catch it before it fades back into obscurity.Trending Reel
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