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Star Betelgeuse - A red supergiant in the constellation Orion

One fascinating star is Betelgeuse, a red supergiant located in the constellation Orion. Here are some intriguing facts about it: 1. Size and Volume: Betelgeuse is immense—if placed at the center of our solar system, it would extend past the orbit of Mars. 2. Variability: It is a pulsating variable star, meaning its brightness changes over time; it has been observed to vary in brightness over several months. 3. Life Cycle: Betelgeuse is nearing the end of its life cycle and is expected to explode as a supernova within the next million years, a relatively short time in astrophysical terms. 4. Distance: It is located approximately 640 light-years away from Earth. 5. Cultural Significance: Betelgeuse has been significant in many cultures and is commonly referred to as the “Shoulder of the Hunter” in the constellation Orion. 6. Color Indicator: Its reddish hue signifies a cooler surface temperature compared to other stars, which gives it a distinctive appearance. Betelgeuse con...

SpaceX's Starship Super-Rocket

Elon Musk Takes the Long View in Glitzy Update on SpaceX's Starship Super-Rocket

SpaceX CEO Elon Musk finally gave us an update on how the development of the Starship and Super Heavy booster is going. During a presentation at the SpaceX Starbase facility in Boca Chica, Texas, Musk showed off a fully stacked up Starship and Super Heavy booster. He said the company is waiting on approval from the FAA and other government agencies to give them the green light to launch the spacecraft sometime in the next few months.

During the presentation, he talked about the challenges of developing the Raptor 2 engine (it tries to melt its combustion chamber) and the plans to construct a second Starbase at Cape Canaveral in Florida. Attendees were also able to see the enormous Mechazilla launch tower, which will catch incoming rockets with its chopstick arms.

Read the full story by Alan Boyle

Thanks!

Fraser Cain
Publisher
Universe Today

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

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