A nova explosion, sure to be a once-in-a-lifetime celestial event that will “fuel the next generation of scientists,” is expected to occur sometime between now and September. So what does this really mean and how do we know about it? Let’s get into it!

What’s a nova explosion?

A nova explosion is when a white dwarf star’s intense gravitational pull causes it to absorb material from a neighboring star. This matter is then stored on the surface until the hydrogen gas pressure becomes too much and explodes.

Where will the nova explosion occur?

The nova explosion will occur among a dark spot in the “Northern Crown” better known as the binary system T Coronae Borealis (T CrB) or “Blaze Star.” It’s 3,000 light years from Earth.

How often does a nova explosion occur?

According to NASA, a nova explosion for T CrB only occurs about once every 80 years. It’s last explosion was in 1946

How do experts know a nova explosion will occur?

“Most novae happen unexpectedly, without warning,” wrote William J. Cooke, NASA Meteoroid Environments Office lead, in an email. “However, T Coronae Borealis is one of 10 recurring novae in the galaxy. We know from the last eruption back in 1946 that the star will get dimmer for just over a year before rapidly increasing in brightness. T Coronae Borealis began to dim in March of last year, so some researchers are expecting it to go nova between now and September. But the uncertainty as to when this will happen is several months — can’t do better than that with what we know now.”

Will the explosion create a new star?

The nova explosion will be so bright that it will look to the naked eye as if a new star has been created. However, that appearance of a “new star” will only be temporary as the eruption will eventually dim into disappearance.

Will the nova explosion be visible from Earth?

The expected explosion will be so bright that it should be visible to the naked eye for around a week following the explosion. To see the spectacle, try your best to identify stars Arcturus and Vega. In between those two brightest stars in the Northern Hemisphere, onlookers should be able to locate the Corona Borealis.

Is a nova different than a supernova?

Yes, a nova and a supernova are not the same thing. A supernova occurs when a large star explodes and dies. A nova however also deals with an explosion but the dwarf star remains and releases accreted material throughout space. Moreover, the intact white dwarf star can even experience numerous nova events.

The post Look Up! Impending, Rare Nova Explosion Will Soon Be Visible To The Naked Eye appeared first on Secret NYC.

* This article was originally published here

Transport yourself to the verdant countryside of Sweden without ever leaving Manhattan. On the longest day of the year, soak up the extra hours of sunshine at the Swedish Midsummer Festival in honor of the summer solstice. 

This annual outdoor celebration held on June 21 at Rockefeller Park is the largest Swedish Midsummer Festival in New York City. Expect gorgeous decor making the perfect backdrop for photos. It’s free to attend and packed with fun activities, like flower crown-making and dancing around the maypole. 

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Activities kick off at 4pm with a midsummer food court where you can purchase Swedish delicacies to fuel up before the main events start at 5pm with a welcoming serenade by flugelhorn player Oskar Stenmark.

After that, stroll through a whimsical sculpture park by Tom Otterness reimagined with Swedish flare, learn how to make traditional floral crowns, listen to fiddlers from the American Swedish Institute in Minneapolis, and shop from Swedish market vendors. Kids can play classic field games on the lawn.

Be sure you’re ready at 6pm for the Maypole Procession, a nostalgic celebration of the summer solstice followed by greetings from Camilla Mellander, Consul General of Sweden in New York; Raju Mann, President and CEO Battery Park City Authority; and Edward Mermelstein, NYC’s Commissioner for International Affairs. Once their remarks finish, you’ll get a chance to dance around the Midsummer Maypole with Paul Dahlin and fiddlers from the American Swedish Institute in Minneapolis and Scandinavian folklorist Ross Sutter.

Finally, close out the longest day of the year with a special appearance by BROLLE Swedish singer and musician and a performance by Mademoiselle Carousel. Festivities will wrap up by 9pm.

The festivities are presented by the Consulate General of Sweden and New York and Battery Park City Authority.

* This article was originally published here

Hopping on a boat and cruising New York’s natural harbor is one of the best parts about summers in the city, but there is so much about the history of our waters that the majority of New Yorkers isn’t aware of—including the existence of a plethora of abandoned islands dotting the East River, many of which serve as safe havens for local wildlife.

One brand new boat tour wants to teach New Yorkers about these hidden islands by actually taking them there. 

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The Urban Naturalist Tour: Abandoned Islands of the East River is organized by Classic Harbor Line and will depart from Chelsea Pier 62 at 6:45pm on seven Sundays throughout the summer. The voyages will be guided by urban naturalist Gabriel Willow, who will help passengers identify the wildlife they might see during the explorations, including black crowned night herons, snowy and great egrets and double-crested cormorants.

There will be some time for history lessons, too: you’ll learn about Typhoid Mary and the abandoned smallpox hospital where she died, for example.

The focus of the tour will be on the North and South Brother Islands, the latter of which was once the summer getaway of Yankees owner Jacob Ruppert, before his house burned down. You’ll also learn about some of the major shipwrecks that have happened in the harbor throughout the city’s illustrious history. 

The tour itself is three hours long—but don’t worry, you’ll be pretty comfortable: all sightseeing will happen aboard a 1920s-inspired motor yacht and your ticket will include a glass of bubble or soft drink, a gourmet sandwich, and appetizers available for purchase. You can also bring your own food if you prefer. 

If this your doesn’t exactly fit your interests, the same company offers plenty of other guided cruises, including one that focuses on eco-friendly architecture around Manhattan; another one that will take you to Freshkills Park in Staten Island, a former landfill that will be converted into NYC’s biggest park; and a jazz cruise, among many others. 

Tickets to the Urban Naturalist tour start at $124 per person. Tours are scheduled for June 16, 24, 30 and July 7, 14 and 21.

* This article was originally published here

This Sunday night marks the 77th annual Tony Awards—here’s how to watch the 2024 ceremony on TV and online, as well as the complete Tony nominations list—and to celebrate Broadway’s biggest, starriest night, fine crystal retailer Baccarat and rye bourbon maker Basil Hayden are teaming up for a dazzling new speakeasy experience. 

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On Sunday, June 16 at the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, the pop-up speakeasy will welcome Tony Awards nominees, presenters, and spirits enthusiasts alike to toast New York’s theater community in a room richly decorated with lighting, decor, and barware from Baccarat, as well as the brand’s signature red and gold colors.

At the luxe immersive space, attendees will enjoy cocktails inspired by the Tony Awards, including the official quaff of the evening, the Basil Hayden 75, a spirited twist on a French 75 that was specifically crafted to be enjoyed from the Baccarat Masséna Coupe. Elsewhere on the beverage menu, you’ll find quaffs like the bourbon-forward “Baccarat Boulevardier” and several Basil Hayden permanent expressions, including Dark Rye, Malted Rye, Toast, and the brand’s original Kentucky Straight Bourbon.

Even if you’re not attending the Tony Awards this Sunday, you can still try some of the one-of-a-kind cocktails from the special night. Select serves from the Baccarat x Basil Hayden speakeasy’s cocktail menu will be available for all at the Baccarat Hotel New York’s Bar and Grand Salon through Wednesday, June 19. 

“At Basil Hayden, we celebrate those who leave an impression with their uniqueness and charisma, so it is a thrill for us to be the official bourbon of the 77th Annual Tony Awards recognizing remarkable talent who also embody these attributes,” said Regan Clarke, U.S. vice president of American Whiskey at Suntory Global Spirits. “In partnership with our impressive friends at Baccarat, we are excited for presenters and nominees to experience our bespoke, Tony Awards-inspired cocktails, further elevating this year’s celebrations and making it a night to remember.”

* This article was originally published here