Alpha Orionis, commonly known as Betelgeuse, is a red supergiant star located in the constellation Orion. It is one of the brightest stars in the night sky and is easily recognizable due to its distinct reddish hue. Betelgeuse is about 700 light-years away from Earth and is nearing the end of its life cycle, which means it will eventually explode as a supernova. This massive star is approximately 1,000 times larger than our Sun, making it a fascinating object of study for astronomers. Betelgeuse's size and brightness have led to various myths and stories throughout history, often symbolizing strength and power in different cultures.