Antares: Red Supergiant Star

The Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) in Bengaluru, India captured a captivating astronomical phenomenon as the moon passed in front of the bright red star Antares on April 27, hiding it for roughly 40 minutes.

1. IIA said that this event was visible only from southern India.

About Antares:

1. Introduction of Antares:

   1. Antares, also known as Alpha Scorpii, reigns as the brightest star in the constellation Scorpius.
   2. It holds the position as the 15th brightest star visible in the entire night sky.

2. Massive Red Supergiant:

   1. Antares is a colossal red supergiant star.
   2. 10,000 times greater than our Sun.

3. Immense Size:

   1. Antares is one of the largest known stars, with a diameter 700 times that of the Sun.
   2. If our solar system were centered around Antares, its vast expanse would also include the orbit of Mars.

4. Distance from Earth:

   1. Antares resides approximately 600 light-years away from planet Earth.

5. Low Density:

   1. Despite its big size, Antares's total density is surprisingly low, less than one millionth that of the Sun.

6. Relatively Cool Surface:

   1. Antares exhibits a relatively cool surface temperature of about 6,100 °F (3,400 °C), in contrast to our Sun's surface temperature of 10,000 °F (5,500 °C).

7. Reason for Red Color:

   1. The star's cooler surface temperature is responsible for its fiery red colour.

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