Betelgeuse news
Betelgeuse, a star in the constellation Orion, has been making headlines in recent years due to its unusual behavior. Here are some recent news articles and updates about Betelgeuse:
Recent News:
- Betelgeuse's Dimming: In October 2019, Betelgeuse suddenly dimmed by about 40% in brightness, sparking concerns that it might be about to explode as a supernova. However, astronomers later determined that the dimming was likely due to a natural decrease in the star's brightness caused by a drop in its surface temperature.
- Betelgeuse's Age: In 2020, a team of astronomers estimated that Betelgeuse is about 8.3 million years old, which is relatively young for a red supergiant star like itself.
- Betelgeuse's Distance: In 2020, a new study estimated that Betelgeuse is about 640 light-years away from Earth, which is slightly closer than previously thought.
Previous News:
- Supernova Fears: In 2019, astronomers warned that Betelgeuse could explode as a supernova at any moment, potentially causing a spectacular display in the night sky. However, the star has not exploded yet.
- Betelgeuse's Size: In 2018, a team of astronomers estimated that Betelgeuse is about 1,420 times larger than our sun, making it one of the largest stars in the galaxy.
- Betelgeuse's Color: In 2017, astronomers discovered that Betelgeuse is actually a bit more orange than previously thought, which could be due to the presence of dust in its atmosphere.
Interesting Facts:
- Betelgeuse is a Red Supergiant: Betelgeuse is a type of star known as a red supergiant, which means it is extremely large and cool compared to our sun.
- Betelgeuse is a Variable Star: Betelgeuse is a variable star, which means its brightness changes over time due to changes in its size or temperature.
- Betelgeuse is a Popular Target for Astronomers: Betelgeuse is a popular target for astronomers due to its proximity to Earth and its unusual behavior, which makes it an interesting subject for study.