Is Betelgeuse Really Over 100,000 Times Brighter Than the Sun?

Thread starter Kittel Knight
Start date Feb 8, 2011
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Brightness

In summary, the brightness of Betelgeuse refers to the magnitude or luminosity of the star, which is one of the brightest stars in the night sky with an apparent magnitude of around 0.5. This brightness is important to scientists as it helps them study the star's evolution, structure, and behavior, and changes in its brightness can provide insight into its future as a supernova. The brightness of Betelgeuse can be affected by various factors such as its size, temperature, chemical composition, age, and external factors like dust clouds and distance from Earth. Scientists measure its brightness using a scale called magnitude, with lower numbers representing brighter objects, and use telescopes and specialized instruments to monitor its magnitude.

Feb 8, 2011

Kittel Knight

Hi !

If side by side, how much would Betelgeuse be brighter than Sun?
I mean visible light.

Thanks!

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Feb 8, 2011

Drakkith

Mentor

I believe it is over 100,000 times as luminous as the sun. This is from wikipedia. =)

What is the "Brightness of Betelgeuse"?

The brightness of Betelgeuse refers to the magnitude or luminosity of the star Betelgeuse, which is one of the brightest stars in the night sky.

How bright is Betelgeuse?

Betelgeuse has an apparent magnitude of around 0.5, making it one of the brightest stars visible to the naked eye. However, its brightness can vary slightly due to its pulsating nature.

Why is the brightness of Betelgeuse important to scientists?

Scientists use the brightness of Betelgeuse to study its evolution, structure, and behavior. Changes in its brightness can also provide insight into the star's life cycle and potential future as a supernova.

What factors affect the brightness of Betelgeuse?

The brightness of Betelgeuse can be influenced by various factors such as its size, temperature, chemical composition, and age. Additionally, external factors like dust clouds and the star's distance from Earth can also affect its apparent brightness.

How do scientists measure the brightness of Betelgeuse?

Scientists use a scale called magnitude to measure the brightness of stars, including Betelgeuse. This scale is based on the star's apparent brightness as seen from Earth, with lower numbers representing brighter objects. Betelgeuse's magnitude is monitored using telescopes and specialized instruments.