5
$\begingroup$

There is evidence Betelgeuse might go supernova "soon". Are there any stars in the vicinity of Betelgeuse that are close enough that they will be hit by the explosion of this supernova? What would be the effect on stars near Betelgeuse?

A supernova "kicks" out the other star if it is in a binary pair, but Betelgeuse is not a binary, so this doesn't quite answer the question.

Improve this question
$\endgroup$
1

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
3
$\begingroup$

There have been 2 proposed spectroscopic companions, though never confirmed, traveling with Betelgeuse. These are thought to orbit the red supergiant. So when Betelgeuse eventually explodes, they would certainly be blasted by radiation, atmospheres could be damaged or completely destroyed, and would lose their host star sending them on a new trajectory through space. But with Betelgeuse having been ejected from its birth place and traveling with no verified companion, its more likely that the surrounding galaxy would be left unchanged, aside from supernova remnant left behind. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Betelgeuse has more information if you still have questions.

Improve this answer
$\endgroup$
5
  • $\begingroup$ To clarify why I mentioned the unconfirmed companions, they were a way to briefly say a few of the effects caused by a supernova on nearby objects. $\endgroup$
    – Xanax87
    Commented Apr 12, 2020 at 21:58
  • $\begingroup$ You can use the edit button to add that to your question if you would like. $\endgroup$
    – dalearn
    Commented Apr 12, 2020 at 23:44
  • $\begingroup$ Thank you, first day here so feeling things out. $\endgroup$
    – Xanax87
    Commented Apr 12, 2020 at 23:54
  • $\begingroup$ Welcome to Astronomy.SE! We certainly hope you stick around! $\endgroup$
    – dalearn
    Commented Apr 13, 2020 at 0:04
  • 1
    $\begingroup$ Much appreciated! $\endgroup$
    – Xanax87
    Commented Apr 13, 2020 at 0:12

You must log in to answer this question.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged .