Over the past few weeks, a sensational rumor has been making its way around social media and conspiracy websites: that red supergiant star Betelgeuse is going to blow up in a gigantic supernova—and that the explosion will directly affect Earth within two weeks. Although the narrative would make a great cover story, let's set fact apart from myth and get a good look at what's actually happening.
What Is Betelgeuse
Betelgeuse is a red supergiant star in the constellation Orion that's about 642 light-years from Earth. It's among the largest and brightest stars in the nighttime sky, and it has intrigued astronomers for many years because of its size, brightness variability, and candidacy as a supernova.
When Betelgeuse reaches the end of its life, it will explode in a spectacular supernova—but a precise prediction of when will take some time.
Did Betelgeuse Recently Offer Evidence of Soon-to-Explode?
Earlier in late 2019 and early 2020, Betelgeuse actually very noticeably dimmed, fueling speculation that perhaps the star was about to go supernova. But subsequent studies indicated that the dimming was probably due to a tremendous dust cloud expelled by the star, rather than the start of a catastrophic demise.
As of June 2025, there is no scientific evidence to suggest that Betelgeuse is going to explode in the next two weeks—or soon at all. Though astronomers keep it under close observation, present observations indicate it's acting quite normally for a supergiant that's on its way out.
What If It Did Explode?
Let's consider what would happen if Betelgeuse did go supernova today. What would this mean to Earth?
It would NOT physically hurt us. Well over 600 light-years from Earth, Betelgeuse is simply too far away to threaten life on our planet in any direct way. It would light up the sky with photons and perhaps even be seen during the day—but it would not zapp the planet or expose us to harmful radiation.
It would be an historic astronomical occurrence. A Betelgeuse supernova would be the nearest one witnessed since Kepler's Supernova in 1604. It would provide scientists a once-in-a-lifetime chance to learn about the life cycle of huge stars.
Where Did the "2 Weeks" Claim Come From?
This assertion is probably due to a combination of misreading and hyperbole. Some recent publications and commentary have reported that the activity of Betelgeuse is being watched with fresh interest. But no serious astronomer has forecast an imminent explosion, much less one with a two-week timeline or direct terrestrial impact.
The "direct impact" portion of the assertion is entirely untrue and seems to be clickbait meant to create alarm or attract views.
The Bottom Line
Betelgeuse won't blow in two weeks, and even if it did, the Earth would be okay.
Although the eventual supernova will be breathtaking
to see—and a pot of gold for astrophysicists—none of it poses any threat to our
planet. Meanwhile, it's well worth enjoying Betelgeuse in the evening sky and
appreciating the remarkable processes unfolding in the universe above us.
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