An artist's impression shows a star collapsing on itself
An artist's impression of a nova, an exploding star.
  • A nova 3,000 light-years from Earth is due to become visible from Earth.
  • T Coronae Borealis should outshine the North Star for up to a week at some point in coming months. 
  • A few tips can help you see this event, which for many will be once-a-lifetime. 

A nearby exploding star is due to offer a spectacular show that could outshine our North Star this year.

The star, which is 3,000 light-years from Earth, is expected to burst in a gigantic explosion — known as a nova — in the coming months.

NASA said in a statement that the once-a-lifetime event could be so big that it can be seen by the naked eye. It should be visible for up to a week.