Betelgeuse Shines Bright for Valentine's Day

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

As Valentine's Day approaches, astronomers are often asked about potential 'Valentine's Day stars' that would make for a romantic celestial option. In considering the ideal characteristics for such a star, the red supergiant Betelgeuse in the Orion constellation stands out as a top candidate due to its distinctive red hue and proximity to Earth.

Why it matters

Betelgeuse's vivid red color and its location in the prominent Orion constellation make it a visually striking and easily recognizable star in the night sky, especially during the Valentine's season when people are looking to the heavens for romantic inspiration.

The details

Betelgeuse is a red supergiant star nearing the end of its life cycle, located around 650 light-years from Earth in the Orion constellation. Its distinctive reddish-orange hue is caused by the star's cool surface temperature of only about 3,600 Kelvin, much cooler than our Sun's 5,800 Kelvin. This cool temperature gives Betelgeuse its romantic, ruby-like appearance in the night sky.

• Betelgeuse is visible in the night sky throughout the year, but it is most prominent during the winter months when Orion is high in the southern sky.
• Valentine's Day falls on February 14th each year.

What they’re saying

What’s next

Stargazers can look for Betelgeuse in the night sky on Valentine's Day and throughout the winter season to appreciate its romantic, ruby-red glow.