Betelgeuse, a massive red supergiant in the constellation Orion, is about to become a supernova. Learn more about the implications of this cosmic event, which is of interest to astronomers and laypeople alike around the world.
When will Betelgeuse become a supernova?
Betelgeuse, a prominent red supergiant in the constellation Orion, has been attracting the attention of astronomers for years. The question of when it will become a supernova is preoccupying experts and offering exciting insights into the processes that accompany such cosmic events.
- Betelgeuse is one of the largest known stars and is located about 550–650 light-years from Earth. Its mass, estimated at 10–20 solar masses, and its enormous size make it a possible candidate for a supernova.
- A supernova occurs when a massive star reaches the end of its life cycle. In the case of Betelgeuse, this is triggered by the collapse of the star’s core, which releases an enormous amount of energy.
- Astronomers have been observing Betelgeuse for years, especially since it showed an unexpected decrease in brightness in 2019. However, this dimming was likely due to dust clouds caused by matter ejections and was not considered an immediate sign of an explosion.
- The exact time frame for when Betelgeuse will become a supernova remains unclear. It could happen in the next ten thousand years—very soon on an astronomical timescale, but hardly foreseeable for us humans.
Why is Betelgeuse a red supergiant?
Betelgeuse belongs to the class of red supergiants, which are characterized by their enormous size and low density. These characteristics play a decisive role in the process of a supernova.
- These stars have already used up their hydrogen supply in their cores and are now fusing heavier elements such as helium, carbon, and, in later stages, neon, oxygen, and silicon.
- Betelgeuse’s size is impressive: its diameter is about 800–1000 solar radii. If it were placed in the position of our Sun, it would reach as far as Jupiter’s orbit.
- The low density of red supergiants means that their outer layers are relatively loose. This structure favors the occurrence of pulsations, which can lead to varying brightness.
- Observing red supergiants such as Betelgeuse provides valuable information about the final stages of stellar evolution and the conditions that lead to supernovae.
How does the supernova process work?
The process of a supernova is complex and fascinating. It involves several stages, ranging from nuclear fusion to explosion.
- First, fusion produces increasingly heavy elements until iron is formed. Since the fusion of iron does not release energy, the fusion process stops.
- The core collapses under its own gravity, triggering a sudden drop in pressure.
- The incoming matter collides with the dense core, creating a shock wave that tears the star apart in a violent explosion.
- This releases large amounts of energy and ejects newly formed elements such as nickel, iron, and cobalt into space. This explosion can shine brighter than an entire galaxy for weeks or months.
