Betelgeuse, a massive red supergiant, has captivated astronomers for decades. Located over 640 light-years away, this star is about 20 times the mass of our sun and significantly larger, making it one of the most studied celestial bodies.

Its pulsations and brightness fluctuations, varying from +0.5 to zero magnitude, are key indicators of its dynamic nature. These changes result from the complex nuclear fusion processes within its core, primarily involving helium and carbon. Betelgeuse’s surface temperature of 3,500 Kelvin gives it a distinctive red hue, contrasting with the sun’s 5,500 Kelvin. Recent intense shaking of Betelgeuse suggests potential transitions, possibly even towards a supernova.

Such an event would be a spectacular display of cosmic power, potentially impacting Earth with gamma-ray bursts and electromagnetic pulses.