Betelgeuse

Betelgeuse is a red supergiant in Orion and one of the largest stars visible to the naked eye. If placed at the center of the Solar System, its surface would extend past the orbit of Jupiter. It is expected to explode as a supernova within the next 100,000 years.

Stellar Data

Notable Facts

• Betelgeuse is so large it would engulf the orbits of Mercury through Jupiter
• It underwent a dramatic dimming event in late 2019 caused by a dust cloud
• When it goes supernova, it may briefly be visible during the daytime from Earth