Betelgeuse May Have Companion Star, Simons Foundation Study Suggests

Oct 22, 2024, 03:54 PM

Recent studies suggest that the red supergiant star Betelgeuse, one of the brightest stars in the night sky, may have a companion star, often referred to as 'Betelbuddy'. This finding, supported by research from the Flatiron Institute, the University of Wyoming, the Konkoly Observatory, and the Simons Foundation, indicates that Betelgeuse is likely far from exploding as a supernova. The presence of this companion star could explain Betelgeuse's unusual dimming and brightening patterns, as it may be affecting the distribution of dust and light around the star.