Belelgeuse turning into a supernovae

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the potential for Betelgeuse to turn into a supernova, including the predictability of such an event and its implications for Earth. Participants explore various aspects of supernova occurrences, including the nature of core collapse mechanisms and the observational characteristics of Betelgeuse.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question the ability to predict a supernova event in Betelgeuse with any accuracy, suggesting that predictions may be on the order of millions of years.
  • Others express a desire to witness a supernova explosion, referencing the excitement surrounding such an event.
  • One participant mentions that Betelgeuse is already exhibiting characteristics of a planetary nebula, indicating ongoing processes before a potential supernova.
  • Concerns are raised about the safety of Earth in the event of a supernova, with some arguing that its distance (over 600 light years) mitigates any catastrophic effects.
  • There is a discussion about the observational nature of starlight, noting that what we see is a reflection of the past, which may imply that Betelgeuse could have already exploded.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a mix of excitement and skepticism regarding the predictability of Betelgeuse's supernova event. While some agree on the uncertainty of prediction, others emphasize the observational aspects and potential safety concerns, indicating that multiple competing views remain.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights limitations in current understanding of core collapse mechanisms and the long timescales involved in supernova events. There is also a reliance on observational data that may not fully capture the current state of Betelgeuse.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in astrophysics, stellar evolution, and the implications of supernova events may find this discussion relevant.

amalmirando
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With so much hype going around as to Betelgeuse turning into a supernovae in 2012, wonder whether it is possible to predict such an occurrence correct to at least a decade...
 
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amalmirando said:
With so much hype going around as to Betelgeuse turning into a supernovae in 2012, wonder whether it is possible to predict such an occurrence correct to at least a decade...

Short answer: No.
Long answer: Still no. Details at http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2010/06/01/is-betelgeuse-about-to-blow/"
 
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With a bit of luck, we'll see it blowing a really big, juicy, complex planetary nebula before it goes...
 
Thanks for the update
 
The triggering mechanism for core collapse supernova events is still very uncertain. The predictability appears to be on the order of millions of years.
 
aww way to spoil the hype. I would die to see a crab nebula type explosion in my lifetime.
 
So, a mere 500 years ago was not enough? Humans ... so demanding.
 
I want it now! waaaaaaa!
 
  • #10
For all we know it already blew up, after all when we look up at the night sky we are looking into the past... And yes Chronos is correct, the time taken for it to actually blow up is very long (for us). Just because it started the first stages of a supernova doesn't mean it's blowing up any time sooner :S
 
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  • #11
DROBNJAK said:
Belegeuse is one of the closest stars. If it blows up, can it nuke us?

As the rotational axis is not directed to Earth it shouldn't be that bad. But it would be an impressive sight.
 
  • #12
DROBNJAK said:
Belegeuse is one of the closest stars. If it blows up, can it nuke us?

At over 600 light years away, it isn't that close. We'll be fine.
 

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