For astronomers It's not a question of if Betelgeuse will explode it's only a question of when!  But since a star exploding as a supernova has never been witnessed or studied in human history the question was if this dimming is or is not the precursor for an impending explosion

For astronomers It's not a question of if Betelgeuse will explode it's only a question of when!  But since a star exploding as a supernova has never been witnessed or studied in human history the question was if this dimming is or is not the precursor for an impending explosion.  For now, it looks like the answer is no (Darn It!) but as I've said someday the answer will be yes.

We've established that Betelgeuse will explode someday but when Betelgeuse does explode the next question that astronomers have is, "after the supernova, which is it, black hole or neutron star?"  What would be the deciding factor here for Betelgeuse to make it one or the other?  Let us all know what you've found out to answer these questions!