When Betelgeuse Explodes, It’s Going to Take Out Another Star

The news article discusses the potential future explosion of the star Betelgeuse and its impact on another nearby star. Betelgeuse, a red supergiant star in the Orion constellation, is known for its erratic behavior and is expected to explode as a supernova at some point in the future. However, the article reveals that Betelgeuse has a companion star, and when it does explode, the companion star will also be affected. The article explains that the proximity of the two stars means that when Betelgeuse goes supernova, the resulting shockwave and radiation will have a significant impact on its companion, potentially stripping away its outer layers or even destroying it completely. This scenario raises concerns about the long-term stability of the Orion constellation and the potential impact on the night sky as viewed from Earth. The article highlights the ongoing scientific study of Betelgeuse and the importance of understanding the complex dynamics of star systems, as the fate of one star can have far-reaching consequences for its celestial neighbors.