Betelgeuse star shows unexpected behavior, raises many questions

Betelgeuse is a variable star, meaning its brightness fluctuates. It is the brightest among such stars and is known for its pulsations. While most stars remain stable, Betelgeuse occasionally experiences extreme brightening.

However, the recent brightening remains unexplained, though it could be due to a dust cloud reflecting light. Despite the uncertainty, astronomers are excited about the star’s potential. Betelgeuse is a red supergiant, indicating it is approaching the end of its life.

However, this end could still be millions of years away. Models suggest a supernova could occur within a few thousand years or 1.5 million years in the future.

Betelgeuse’s behavior, as per scientists, raises many questions, including its precise mass and distance. Some theories propose that the star recently merged with a smaller companion, explaining its faster rotation.

Historical references also suggest a color change, which could indicate rapid evolution and a possible supernova. If Betelgeuse were to go supernova, it would initially emit neutrinos and then rapidly brighten, shining as brightly as the full Moon. It would gradually fade but remain visible during the day for several months and at night for one to two years. However, any danger to Earth is minimal, as cosmic rays produced by supernovas pose little risk at typical distances. The radioactive iron created by a supernova could be found in Earth’s seabed, but a close supernova within 30 light years could potentially cause ozone destruction and harmful UV levels. Nevertheless, such a close event is extremely rare.

FAQs

1. Which is the biggest star in Milky Way galaxy?
   UY Scuti is said to be the biggest star in Milky Way galaxy.
2. How many planets are in solar system?
   There are eight planets, namely Earth, Jupiter, Saturn, Mars, Mercury, Venus, Uranus and Neptune.