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Fusion is what produces heavy elements. Normally it stops at Iron because beyond that there's no energy output, so it takes a collapse and explosion to fuse heavier elements such as gold or uranium. Neutrinos are a byproduct of fusion and are constantly being produced in the hearts of all stars. An exploding supernova will obviously send out a lot more.
When it blows, Betelgeuse will give enough light to read by at night, but it won't be dangerous. Could happen any time in the next million years so I won't be holding my breath.
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