Q 01/05

Betelgeuse lies in which constellation?

A) Orion

B) Taurus

C) Scorpius

D) Gemini

Answer · why

A) Orion

It is usually the tenth-brightest star in the night sky.

Q 02/05

What type of star is Betelgeuse?

A) Yellow dwarf

B) Red supergiant

C) White dwarf

D) Blue giant

Answer · why

B) Red supergiant

Its spectral classification is M1-2 Ia-ab: very large, luminous and cool.

Q 03/05

What is Betelgeuse's Bayer designation?

A) Gamma Orionis

B) Kappa Orionis

C) Alpha Orionis

D) Beta Orionis

Answer · why

C) Alpha Orionis

Bayer probably ranked it first because its variability made it rival its usually brighter neighbour.

Q 04/05

Which star is the only one in its constellation brighter than Betelgeuse?

A) Bellatrix

B) Saiph

C) Alnilam

D) Rigel

Answer · why

D) Rigel

John Herschel nonetheless saw Betelgeuse outshine it in October 1837 and again in November 1839.

Q 05/05

Betelgeuse's apparent magnitude varies between +0.0 and roughly what?

A) +1.6

B) +2.6

C) +3.6

D) +4.6

Answer · why

A) +1.6

Its main period of variation is near 400 days.