Betelgeuse, also known as Beetle-juice, has captivated amateur astronomers for years. This red supergiant variable star in the constellation Orion has recently sparked even more interest due to its unexpected dimming. But what exactly is causing this phenomenon and could it be linked to a companion star?
Betelgeuse is one of the brightest stars in the sky, located in the upper left of the Orion constellation. With a radius about 1,000 times that of the Sun, it shines brightly from a distance of 642 light years away, emitting roughly 100,000 times more light than our own star. Despite its prominence in the night sky, Betelgeuse has been making headlines in recent years due to its unusual behavior.
The unexpected dimming of Betelgeuse occurred towards the end of 2019 and returned to normal in the first half of 2020. This event, now known as ‘The Great Dimming,’ puzzled astronomers and sparked investigations into its cause. One hypothesis suggests that a dust cloud may have caused the dimming, but a recent paper introduces a new theory involving a companion star.
The paper proposes that Betelgeuse may have a low mass companion star of 1.17 solar masses, named Ori B. This companion star, if confirmed, could be orbiting Betelgeuse at a distance roughly 2.43 times the red supergiant’s radius. It is believed that the modulation of dust in the surrounding region by Ori B might be responsible for the observed variations in brightness.
Betelgeuse displays a Long Secondary Period (LSP) of approximately 2,100 days, which is significantly longer than its normal pulsation period. This LSP is a common feature among stars in the Red Giant Branch but the exact mechanism behind it remains unknown. Some theories suggest that the pulsation of the star’s outer layers could be causing the LSP, indicating that Betelgeuse may be larger than previously thought and potentially nearing a supernova explosion.
If Ori B is indeed the cause of Betelgeuse’s long-term variability, it could significantly impact our understanding of the star’s evolution. Previous observations led to the expectation of a supernova event in the near future, but the discovery of a companion star suggests that the timeline may be longer than anticipated. This revelation opens up new avenues for research and raises questions about the true nature of Betelgeuse.
Betelgeuse continues to intrigue and mystify astronomers with its unexpected behavior and enigmatic nature. The discovery of a potential companion star adds a new layer of complexity to the study of this red supergiant, inviting further investigation and speculation into its future evolution. Only time will tell what secrets Betelgeuse still holds and what new revelations await those who seek to unravel its mysteries.
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