News > Betelgeuse’s pulsations suggest its explosion is not far off

Betelgeuse’s pulsations suggest its explosion is not far off

Betelgeuse, the red supergiant star in Orion, may be nearing the end of its carbon-burning phase and could explode as a supernova in a few decades, according to a study. Previous estimates had predicted a much longer timeline for its explosion. Uncertainty remains regarding Betelgeuse's distance, which affects the potential impact of the supernova. However, witnessing the event would be a remarkable sight for astronomers.