Betelgeuse, also known as Beetle-juice, has captured the fascination of amateur astronomers for years. Situated prominently in the upper left of the constellation Orion, Betelgeuse is one of the brightest stars in the sky. Its unexpected dimming in recent years has drawn even more attention to this red supergiant variable star, sparking discussions and theories among the astronomical community.
The dimming of Betelgeuse occurred towards the end of 2019, causing widespread speculation and interest. It returned to normal brightness in the first half of the following year, but the event has since been dubbed “The Great Dimming.” Ground-based images of the Constellation of Orion give us a glimpse of this enigmatic star, while the Hubble Space Telescope reveals the intricate treasures within the nearby star-forming region known as the Great Nebula in Orion.
One of the key features of Betelgeuse is its Long Secondary Period (LSP) of approximately 2,100 days. This cycle of variability is not uncommon among stars in the Red Giant Branch, ranging from a few hundred days to several thousand. The cause of this LSP remains a mystery, with theories pointing towards the pulsation of the star’s outer layers. If this theory holds true, it suggests that Betelgeuse may be larger than expected and could be closer to a supernova explosion than previously thought.
A recent paper suggests that a companion star with a mass of 1.17 solar masses could be the cause of Betelgeuse’s variability. This hypothetical companion, named Ori B (alternative name Orionis), would need to have an orbit about 2.43 times the radius of Betelgeuse. The presence of this companion star could modulate the dust surrounding the system, leading to the observed variations in brightness. If confirmed, Ori B’s impact on our understanding of Betelgeuse’s evolution would be significant.
While it has been speculated that Betelgeuse is nearing its supernova phase, the discovery of a companion star may suggest otherwise. Instead of imminent explosion, the presence of Ori B could mean that we have more time to study and observe this fascinating red supergiant. The mysteries of Betelgeuse continue to intrigue astronomers and stargazers alike, offering a glimpse into the complex and dynamic nature of our universe.
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