Rare Eclipse: Asteroid Temporarily Obscures Betelgeuse, a Once-in-a-Lifetime Coincidence

A rare type of eclipse occurred on Monday night when an asteroid named Leona crossed over the giant star Betelgeuse in the night sky. The eclipse, classified as an occultation, caused Betelgeuse's light to briefly fade and then brighten again. The event lasted less than 15 seconds and was visible in a narrow path from parts of Europe to Mexico and the southern tip of Florida. Astronomers used the opportunity to study both Leona and Betelgeuse, with the latter being of particular interest due to its potential to explode as a supernova in the future.