Editing Betelgeuse (section)

==Fate==
It is possible that Betelgeuse will become a supernova which will be the brightest ever recorded, outshining Luna in Earth's night sky. Considering its size and age of 8.5 million years, old for its size class, it may explode within the next thousand years. Since its rotational axis is not toward the Earth, Betelgeuse's supernova will not cause a [[Gamma Rays|Gamma Ray Burst]] in the direction of Earth large enough to damage its ecosystems.

NIn recent years, the star has shrunk 15% since 2403 with an increasing rate. The average speed at which the radius of the star is shrinking over the last 15 years is approximately 210–219 m/s (470–490 mph).

According to The Vulcan Science Consulate, Betelgeuse's radius is about 5.5 A.U.s, and the star's radius has shrunk by a distance equal to half an astronomical unit, or about the orbit of Venus. This behavior is expected for a star at the beginning of the gravitational collapse at the end of its life. The mass of Betelgeuse puts it in range to become a [[Neutron Star]] or possibly a [[Black Hole]].


[[Category: Stars and Stellar Phenomenon]][[Category: Science]]