26/06/2025
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A spectacular cosmic event is lighting up the night sky and you won’t want to miss it. A dramatic stellar explosion known as a nova has erupted in the constellation Lupus, creating a new point of light that shines approximately 4 million times brighter than before. Named V462 Lupi, this rare nova is now visible to the naked eye near the southern horizon just after sunset, offering skywatchers a breathtaking glimpse of a powerful celestial flare.
Unlike supernovas that destroy stars, this classical nova occurs within a binary star system where a dense white dwarf pulls gas from its companion. When enough material accumulates, it ignites in a runaway explosion, blasting light across the cosmos without obliterating the star itself. First detected on June 12, V462 Lupi brightened rapidly to near naked-eye visibility by June 18, and its brightness may continue to fluctuate, making this fleeting event a true cosmic spectacle.
If you’re in the Southern Hemisphere, you have the best view but sightings have already been reported as far north as California and Lake Superior in the U.S. To catch this rare show, look toward Lupus just after sunset on the southern horizon. With novas this bright happening only about once a year, this is a perfect moment to look up and witness the explosive power of our dynamic universe.
Credits: NASA, AAVSO, International Astronomical Union
