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Betelgeuse: The Next Supernova? - Windows to the Universe

Betelgeuse: The Next Supernova?


Click on image for full size
Image from the Hubble Space Telescope, reproduced with permission from AURA/STScI.

What's in a Name: Arabic for "shoulder of the giant". Also known as the Martial Star.
Claim to Fame: First star seen as a sphere instead of a point of light by the Hubble Space Telescope on March 3, 1995. 12th brightest star in the sky . Possibly will be the very next supernova.
Type of Star: Orange-Red Supergiant (M2 Iab Spectral Class). 3300K surface temp.
How Far Away: Over 300 light years away
How Big: 1300 times the sun's diameter. Would overfill the orbit of Jupiter if placed at the sun's position in the solar system
How Bright: 54,000 times the sun's visual luminosity (absolute visual magnitude, Mv = -7)
Where to View: 2nd brightest star In the constellation of Orion (Star Map)
When to View: Best viewed from the Northern hemisphere during December-March

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