Unexpected Nova V462 Lupi Lights Up the Southern Sky

While astronomers eagerly await the eruption of T Coronae Borealis, a new and unexpected nova, V462 Lupi, has brightened the night sky. Discovered on June 12th, this classical nova in the Lupus constellation has reached a magnitude of 6.1, making it potentially visible to the naked eye under dark skies. The dramatic increase in brightness, over 3 million times brighter than before, stems from a white dwarf stealing material from a companion star and undergoing a thermonuclear explosion. Observers in the Southern Hemisphere and up to 35 degrees North latitude have a chance to witness this stunning celestial event.