A rare event in the sky...the disappearance of a star for a short period

2023-12-12 2023-12-12T12:34:14Z

Arabia Weather - The tenth star, which is among the brightest stars in the sky, has ignited the interest of many in recent years. Due to its remarkable brightness fluctuations, which has led some scientists to fear that it is approaching the point of explosion, and in an exceptional event that is considered “once in a lifetime,” this bright star is expected to disappear for a short period, according to what astronomers have indicated.

Asteroid 319 Leona will pass in front of the star Betelgeuse - the orange-red "shoulder" of the Orion constellation - shortly after 02:00 CET, December 12.

According to the Independent newspaper report, astronomical observers living in certain regions of southern Europe and across the Atlantic Ocean to the Bahamas, southern Florida, and part of Mexico, can see the fading of “Betelgeuse,” which is another name for the famous star Betelgeuse, for a period of between 7 Until 12 seconds , when the asteroid Leona crosses in front of this stunning star.

While the asteroid will block some of the bright light coming from the star, it is expected that ground-based observatories will have the opportunity to capture unique shots using the remaining light. It is worth noting that “Betelgeuse” has attracted attention in recent years. Due to its unusual fluctuations in brightness, which has raised concerns about the possibility of it approaching the explosion stage.

Astronomers and the secrets of the star "Betelgeuse"

Although subsequent observations have shown that the star is far beyond the edge of a possible end, scientists remain committed to trying to estimate the actual size and other features of Betelgeuse .

Researchers point out that an asteroid passing in front of a star of this size is a unique event that can only be seen from Earth on very rare occasions, seen every few decades.

In various parts of Europe, including Italy and Spain, people are preparing to witness this rare stellar event, and scientists believe that this unique opportunity will contribute to gaining more knowledge about the asteroid and the “Betelgeuse” star, such as estimating its size and understanding how charged gas moves around this star. likely to explode."

Unique documentation... Astronomers are preparing to discover the secrets of the star “Betelgeuse”

If weather conditions permit on this favorable day, astronomers are looking to image the surface of Betelgeuse and understand how much wind emission occurs in its stellar environment.

These observations are expected to contribute to determining the size and shape of the asteroid and understanding the strangely large convection cells in Betelgeuse , which cause the star's brightness and darkness to change for long periods.

These studies are also key to uncovering how material shed from these giant stars transforms into the formation of new planets.

Since Betelgeuse is already among the brightest stars in the sky, observers only have to use simple equipment to detect the asteroid's passage, according to expert guidance.