Huge red star might explode soon and next few weeks are critical

**tn1911** · 02-12-20, 12:48

Huge red star might explode soon and next few weeks are critical

https://www.cnet.com/news/huge-red-s...-are-critical/

It's well known Betelgeuse has no more than about 100,000 years left to burn and could start its death throes just about anytime between now and then. When it does go supernova, it's expected to result in a dramatic light show that could be visible in daylight and appear brighter than the full moon for a few weeks. The last time humans were treated to such a sight was the 17th century.

**grnamin** · 02-12-20, 12:56

Betelgeuse is 642.5 light years from Earth. If it went supernova now, wouldn't it take that many years for us to see it?

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**Circle_10** · 02-12-20, 13:02

Betelgeuse, Betelgeuse, Betelgeuse!

**jpmuscle** · 02-12-20, 13:13

Originally Posted by grnamin

Betelgeuse is 642.5 light years from Earth. If it went supernova now, wouldn't it take that many years for us to see it?

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Correct, yes.

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**Mozart** · 02-12-20, 13:17

Originally Posted by grnamin

Betelgeuse is 642.5 light years from Earth. If it went supernova now, wouldn't it take that many years for us to see it?

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So it probably already happened. It went super nova back during the Renaissance and Christopher Columbus and we’re just noticing now.

**TMS951** · 02-12-20, 14:31

Originally Posted by grnamin

Betelgeuse is 642.5 light years from Earth. If it went supernova now, wouldn't it take that many years for us to see it?

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When we talk about things 'happening' we talk about being able to see it, in that that light has reached us.

**MA2_Navy_Veteran** · 02-12-20, 14:33

Originally Posted by jpmuscle

Originally Posted by grnamin

Betelgeuse is 642.5 light years from Earth. If it went supernova now, wouldn't it take that many years for us to see it?
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Correct, yes.
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Or more precisely, It may have already gone supernova 642 or so years ago, in which case we'll only now be seeing that event happen sometime over the next few weeks.