Orion supernova

On this freezing-winter scene from historical part of Ondrejov observatory, the hypothetical Orion supernova takes the central stage. The supernova is ending part of the bright star Betelgeuse‘s life when this red giant collapses inside, producing series of reactions leading to the type II supernova exposion. With its distance about 222 pc (720 ly) and mass about 12 masses of the Sun, the supernova would be one of the brightests seen in human history. Astronomers expect it to be as bright as gibbous Moon just few days before the full Moon phase (or even as bright as the full Moon). Even if the supernova occured in June, when the Sun is projected closest to the Orion constellation, the star would be easily visible in broad daylight. The only question remains: When this happens? Well, astronomically said “pretty soon” means, actually, even millions of years from now. But nobody can say for sure. Used Canon 550D, Saymang 8mm, f3.5, ISO 1600, 30s exposure (original image captured on 30th January 2012).