Antares Observations

[jr_simpson (Australia)]

I've been a keen observer of Antares (Alpha Scorpii) for the past few years on and off. I'm not sure if it is due to the amount of dust in the air in Far North Queensland at the moment or just my eyes over the past month, but the star seems to have a more red-orange tinge to it. Could this mean that Antares could possibly go Super-Nova a lot sooner than anticipated ? I couldn't get any photography of it last night due to fast moving clouds and lack of patience on my behalf.

Can anyone explain it ?

Jason Simpson
Smithfield, Cairns, QLD

[Marcus10 (Marcus)]

I reckon Betelgeuse is a good bet before Antares pops it.

Even so, to experience a supernova of that magnitude (no pun intended) in our galaxy would be an amazing event.

[jr_simpson (Australia)]

Now there would be an impressive sight. According to the experts, we've got about 25 years to wait until one of them blows. Hope we're around to witness it. I remember the one back in 1987, back when I had my tasco 9F refractor, on a crappy mount that wouldn't focus properly due to sand being in the focussing knob...oh those were the days.

[bigjoe (JOSEPH)]

Originally Posted by Marcus10

I reckon Betelgeuse is a good bet before Antares pops it.

Even so, to experience a supernova of that magnitude (no pun intended) in our galaxy would be an amazing event.

Hello Marcus.

Let's not forget one of Halley's favourite's Eta Carinae. It's due also.

PS: Starting in 1843 for 20 yrs, was almost as bright as Sirius!

[astroron (Ron)]

Originally Posted by jr_simpson

Now there would be an impressive sight. According to the experts, we've got about 25 years to wait until one of them blows. Hope we're around to witness it. I remember the one back in 1987, back when I had my tasco 9F refractor, on a crappy mount that wouldn't focus properly due to sand being in the focussing knob...oh those were the days.

I don't think anyone knows when Betelgouse or any other star will go Supernova.
I don't know where you got that info from? but I am sure it would not be from a scientific source.
Cheers

[jr_simpson (Australia)]

I can't remember where I got the info from, it was a few years ago, so probably way out dated anyway. Here's the list of candidates I found:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of...ova_candidates

[jr_simpson (Australia)]

Here's an image I snapped last night. Not as clear as I'd like. Taken in natural light. Centred tight on Antares and also visible is M4.