Type II supernova
Astronomers believe that this tremendous star is only 10 million years old, but has evolved rapidly because of its great mass. Currently in a late stage of stellar evolution, it is expected to erupt in a Type II supernova, possibly within the next million years (see "From a Changeling Star" by Jeffrey Carver, "Transit of Betelgeuse" by Robert R. Chase and "Calculating God" by Robert J. Sawyer, below).