The most spectacular celestial event in the history of the Earth will probably happen this year
Space phenomenon can be observed when one of the brightest stars in the night sky explode and become a supernova. According to astronomers the most spectacular phenomenon in the history of the planet could happen this year. Though the red supergiants Betelgeuse in the constellation Orion is distant 640 light-years, the explosion will turn night into day and the sky seems to have two suns.
Astronomers are not quite sure when it will start stellar show. From the stellar point Betelgeuse is expected to erupt any moment. According to Brad Carter of the University of Southern Queensland galactic explosion will most likely happen before 2012 "The fuel in the core of the old star is on the decline. When it is fully exhausted, Betelgeuse will destroy itself, "said Dr. Carter. In his words, when the star explodes, we will monitor it for several weeks, after which it will begin to fade, to stop ever being noticed.
Cyberspace is full of theories about the end of the world, connecting with supernova prophecy in the Mayan calendar, fueled by the link between the name Betelgeuse and that of the devil. But experts are convinced that the big bang will blow so far from us that will not pose any threat. "When a star explodes at the beginning there is rain of neutrino particles. They will pass through the Earth and although supernova would be visible due to strong light which will be broadcast by it, 99% of energy in it is released in these particles will pass through us and through our planet without us no cause injury, "explained Dr. Carter.
However, when burst, Betelgeuse will almost certainly be the most spectacular supernova ever observed. It is the ninth brightest star in the sky and the second brightest in the constellation Orion. Its distinctive orange-red color makes it easily visible in the night sky. Betelgeuse is so large that if it was in the center of our solar system would extend beyond the asteroid belt, completely covering the orbits of Mercury, Venus, Earth and Mars.
