Betelgeuse, also known as Beetle-juice, has long been a favorite among amateur astronomers due to its prominence in the night sky. This red supergiant variable star, located in the constellation Orion, has captured the attention of researchers in recent years due to its unexpected dimming. The dimming occurred towards the end of 2019 and returned to normal in the first half of 2020. This event, now referred to as ‘The Great Dimming,’ has sparked curiosity among astronomers and led to various theories regarding its cause.
A recent paper has suggested that a companion star with a mass of 1.17 solar masses could be responsible for the unexpected dimming of Betelgeuse. This companion star, referred to as Ori B, would need to have an orbit about 2.43 times the radius of Betelgeuse. The presence of this companion star may lead to the modulation of dust in the region surrounding Betelgeuse, causing the variations in brightness that have been observed. If confirmed, the existence of Ori B could significantly impact our understanding of the evolutionary stage of Betelgeuse.
Betelgeuse is a well-known variable star with a light curve that displays a Long Secondary Period (LSP) of approximately 2100 days. The LSP is a secondary cycle to a shorter one and is not uncommon among stars in the Red Giant Branch of the Hertzsprung-Russell Diagram. The mechanism behind the LSP is currently unknown, but researchers speculate that it may be related to the pulsation of the star’s outer layers. If this hypothesis proves to be true, it could indicate that Betelgeuse is larger than previously thought and may be closer to a supernova explosion than expected.
The team studying Betelgeuse has proposed that Ori B, the potential companion star, is the most likely explanation for the long-term variability of the red supergiant. If Ori B is indeed responsible for the fluctuations in brightness observed in Betelgeuse, it could delay the predicted supernova event, giving researchers more time to study the star’s evolution. The presence of a companion star could shed light on the mysterious processes occurring within Betelgeuse and offer new insights into its future.
Betelgeuse continues to intrigue astronomers with its enigmatic behavior and unexpected dimming. The discovery of a potential companion star opens up new possibilities for understanding the variability of this red supergiant and provides valuable insights into its evolution. As researchers continue to study Betelgeuse and Ori B, we may uncover more secrets about the life cycle of massive stars and the phenomena that shape our universe.
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