Betelgeuse: A Variable Star in Orion

About Betelgeuse

Betelgeuse is a red supergiant star located in the constellation Orion. It is the second-brightest star in Orion, after Rigel, and the tenth-brightest star in the night sky. Betelgeuse is a variable star, meaning its brightness varies over time.

Betelgeuse's Varied Brightness

Betelgeuse is a variable star because it undergoes regular oscillations between brighter and dimmer periods. This variation in brightness is caused by changes in the star's temperature and size. When Betelgeuse is at its brightest, it is about 10,000 times brighter than the Sun. However, when it is at its dimmest, it is only about 100 times brighter than the Sun.

Betelgeuse's Future

Betelgeuse is nearing the end of its life. It will eventually explode as a supernova, leaving behind a neutron star or a black hole. The supernova will be visible from Earth and will be one of the brightest objects in the sky.