Betelgeuse, Red Supergiant Star on the Brink of Supernova

Science: A recent study suggests that the enigmatic dimming and brightening patterns of Betelgeuse, a red supergiant star on the brink of a supernova, could be caused by an unseen companion star.

The Mysterious Dimming
Betelgeuse has been closely monitored by astronomers due to its unpredictable brightness fluctuations. In 2020, the star underwent a significant dimming event, leading to speculation that it might be on the verge of exploding. However, follow-up observations revealed that the dimming was likely caused by a dust cloud obscuring the star's light.

A Hidden Companion
Now, a new study proposes that Betelgeuse's erratic behavior could be attributed to a smaller, unseen companion star. This companion, dubbed "Betelbuddy," may be orbiting Betelgeuse and disrupting its outer atmosphere, causing the observed dimming.

Implications for Betelgeuse's Future
The discovery of a companion star could have important implications for Betelgeuse's future. If Betelbuddy is massive enough, its gravitational interactions could accelerate Betelgeuse's evolution and bring its supernova closer. On the other hand, a less massive companion might have a more subtle influence, delaying the inevitable explosion.

While astronomers continue to study Betelgeuse and its mysterious companion, the discovery offers new insights into the complex dynamics of binary star systems and the evolution of massive stars.