A tense decreasing of a massive star has astronomers believing for a while whether it’s preparing to unleash an explosion. Betelgeuse, the red part on the left side in the constellation Orion – has decreased by a level of almost two for the last 2 months. Such a variation has never been examined before.
Stella Kafka, chief executive of the American Association of Variable Star Observers, released a recent statement. She said, “We know that it’s the dimmest it’s been observed ever, based on the data we have.”
What develops this progress especially interesting to astronomers, is that the star is slated to explode in a fascinating manner: a supernova. Astronomers measure this will occur approximately soon – in astronomical terms, of course. So, it could be any day now, maybe today, or 100,000 years from now.
Astronomers Think About A Possible Explosion Of The Orion Constellation
When Betelgeuse becomes a supernova, astronomers measure it will be lighted enough, resembling a full moon and noticeable during the day, too. The odd thing, however, is that Betelgeuse is a red supermassive cloaked in a bubble of gas and dust, so it’s challenging to describe it truly. It’s thought that is somewhere between 425 to 650 light-years away, with a volume of almost 10 times that of the Sun.
It is also immense – possible 1,400 times more significant than the Sun. Moreover, if it were situated where the Sun is, it would consume all the inner planets, such as our planet, Mars, or Jupiter. It’s also estimated to be 14,000 times brighter than our comparatively small star.
Betelgeuse, however, has also the status of a variable star. Such a fact means that its brightness boosts up and diminishes from time to time. But it’s the current situation that has never been encountered since now. Kafka added, “Maybe 300 years ago, Betelguese was dimmer than what we’re observing not, but we don’t have data.”
