Looking up - 21 February 2020

Published: Feb. 27, 2020, 12:46 p.m.

What to do if a star goes supernova? This may well happen to Betelgeuse in Orion, as this red giant has been dimming more than expected, and could be in a 'pre-supernova' phase. Thankfully it's a long way away, as you wouldn't want to be anywhere near the formation of a black hole or neutron star. Pronounce Betelgeuse however you like - astronomers are all over the map on this one.