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Alpha Orionis (Betelgeuse)

Announcement: New Forums

We are excited to announce the launch of our new forums! You can access itforums.aavso.org. For questions, please see ourblog post.The forums at aavso.org/forum have become read-only.

Announcement: New Applications

We are excited to announce the launch of our new applications! We're opening up early access to our new applications for searching, downloading, and submitting photometric observations. You can now access these applications through these links:

We ask for your feedback in order to help us improve these applications. Please send feedback for the applications above tofeedback@aavso.org. Note: please avoid duplicating submissions across the two submit applications.

 Note: This page was edited to modify the magnitudes of comparison stars Procyon (0.5 to 0.4 V) and Aldebaran (1.1 to 0.9 V) and to add the link to the chart available via the AAVSO's 10-Star Tutorial. - Elizabeth O. Waagen, 6 January 2020

Betelgeuse

Orion

 

Albert A. Michelson
In 1920, Betelgeuse became the first star to have its diameter measured by means of the beam interferometer invented by Albert A. Michelson. This instrument was first tested on the 100-inch telescope at Mt.Wilson on December 13, 1920. Betelgeuse was selected as the first test object since theoretical calculations had suggested that the star was unusually great in size. The experiment was a success and the apparent angular size of Betelgeuse was found to average about .044 arcseconds.

20-foot Interferometer

Twinkling star

 

 

 

 

Betelgeuse

Betelgeuse

LT light curve

Orion Trails

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We hope you enjoy this beautiful star for the next couple of months. Try not to confuse it with anyred blinking noses that may be in the area. ;)   Happy Holidays everyone!!