Alpha Orionis Direct

Betelgeuse is a , meaning its brightness fluctuates over time.

Usually the 10th brightest star in the night sky, its magnitude typically ranges from +0.0 to +1.3 . alpha orionis

A red supergiant nearing the end of its life cycle. Betelgeuse is a , meaning its brightness fluctuates

If placed at the center of our solar system, it would engulf the orbits of Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars, likely extending past Jupiter's orbit . Betelgeuse is a

Despite being only about 8 to 10 million years old —much younger than our 4.6-billion-year-old Sun—its massive size caused it to evolve rapidly.

Distinctive orange-red hue, visible even without equipment. Variability and Observation