If the red supergiant star Betelgeuse were to supernova tomorrow, the spectacle would be one of the most impressive celestial events observed from Earth in recorded history. Scientists do concur that Betelgeuse is close to the end of its life and will go supernova at some point in the next 100,000 years, but the likelihood of it occurring tomorrow is infinitesimally small. Nevertheless, it's fascinating to consider the science—and the impact on real life—of such a happening.
What Is Betelgeuse?
Betelgeuse is a giant, elderly star within the constellation Orion, approximately 642 light-years from Earth. Due to being so large—approximately 700 times the size of the Sun—it's at the end of its stellar existence. When it explodes, it will become supernova, releasing an enormous amount of energy within a span of seconds.
What Happens During a Supernova?
A supernova is a cataclysmic explosion of a star, unleashing more energy in an instant than the Sun will release over its entire 10-billion-year life. In the case of a star like Betelgeuse, the mechanism is a collapse of its core followed by a fury of outward explosion of its outer layers. The outcome is a flash of radiation, shockwaves, and an enormous quantity of light.
If Betelgeuse were to go supernova tomorrow, the first wave of neutrinos would arrive on Earth ahead of the light, as neutrinos move very close to the speed of light and travel through matter with hardly any disturbance. We would only see it hours later: a very bright light in the sky.
What Would We See from Earth?
The supernova would likely appear as a second sun—visible even in daylight—for weeks or even months. At night, it would dominate the sky, easily outshining the full Moon. Astronomers estimate it could reach a visual magnitude of -12.5, which is brighter than Venus.
This brilliant spectacle would be harmless to us, as Betelgeuse is safely away. But the event would nonetheless provide scientists with a wealth of information and the public with an awe-inspiring sight to remember.
Would There Be Any Danger?
Experts assure us no, there wouldn't be any immediate threat to life on our planet. Even though the power of a supernova is so massive, Betelgeuse is so far away that its radiation, including X-rays and gamma rays, would not be intense enough to cause us harm. The atmosphere and magnetic field of our planet would more than adequately protect us from any effects it might have.
Most we would see, other than the light display, is a minor increase in cosmic radiation picked up by satellites or by high-altitude sensors. This would be inconsequential and would not affect people or electronics.
A Golden Opportunity for Science
Astronomers are closely monitoring Betelgeuse, particularly after its unexplained dimming during late 2019 and early 2020. Though that wasn't the introduction to a supernova, it was a reminder that the star is playing out its final act. If Betelgeuse were to explode tomorrow, it would be the closest nearby supernova seen in recent times, and scientists would have their first rare opportunity to observe such an event in real-time with current instrumentation.
Final Thoughts
The notion of a star going supernova in our galactic neighborhood might strike fear, but fear not—Betelgeuse is no danger to the Earth. In fact, if anything were to happen tomorrow, a supernova would be a scientific boon and an astronomical treat for mankind. It would be an event of a lifetime, illuminating the sky and inspiring wonder on the planet.
So, if you glance up tomorrow evening and notice a
new, ridiculously bright "star" on Orion's shoulder—don't worry. Just
appreciate the celestial display.
0 Comments