5. Why is a future supernova of the star Betelgeuse not a threat to life on Eart

Question

5.

Why is a future supernova of the star Betelgeuse not a threat to life on Earth?

Select one:

a. Betelgeuse is too small to supernova. It will produce a planetary nebula, like our Sun.

b. Betelgeuse is a red supergiant. It will produce a low-energy red supernova, rather than a high-energy blue supernova.

c. At 650 light-years, it is too far away to have an affect on Earth.

d. Betelgeuse is a red star. Red stars live trillions of years. Our solar system will be long-dead before Betelgeuse explodes.

6.

Why is the star IK Pegasi not a threat to life on Earth?

Select one:

a. The Sun-like star in IK Pegasi is still fusing hydrogen. It will be at 1-2 billion years before it evolves into a red giant, allowing the white dwarf to capture mass and exceed the 1.4 MSun mass limit.

b. IK Pegasi is a binary system with a white dwarf and a Sun-like star. Only massive stars explode in supernovas.

c. IK Pegasi is too far from Earth to be a threat to life.

d. It is a serious threat! In fact, NASA is working on a mission to stop this imminent supernova from occurring!

Explanation / Answer

5.c. At 650 light-years, it is too far away to have an affect on Earth.

6. d. It is a serious threat! In fact, NASA is working on a mission to stop this imminent supernova from occurring!

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