Science
Astronomers capture clearest image yet of Betelgeuse's candidate companion star
Observations using the Very Large Telescope reveal evidence of a companion star larger than originally predicted, shedding light on the red supergiant's behavior.
The short version
- Astronomers led by Miguel Montargès used the European Southern Observatory's Very Large Telescope to capture direct images of a candidate companion star orbiting Betelgeuse, dubbed Betelgeuse B.
- The detected companion is estimated to have two to three times the mass of the Sun, which is significantly larger than previous predictions of roughly one solar mass.
- Researchers plan to conduct follow-up observations in one year on the opposite side of the star to definitively confirm the orbit of Betelgeuse B.
Key facts
- The research team, led by Miguel Montargès of the Observatoire de Paris, published their findings in the journal Astronomy & Astrophysics.[ScienceDaily]
- Observations were conducted in December 2024 using the SPHERE instrument on the European Southern Observatory's Very Large Telescope in Chile.[ScienceDaily]
- The observations were timed based on predictions from two 2024 studies indicating the companion would reach its maximum apparent separation in December 2024.[ScienceDaily]
- The detected candidate star, Betelgeuse B, is estimated to be two to three times the mass of the Sun.[ScienceDaily]
What remains uncertain
- Astronomers need an additional observation in one year showing the companion on the other side of the star to conclusively confirm its orbit.[ScienceDaily]
- It remains unknown whether Betelgeuse B will influence the future evolution or supernova explosion of Betelgeuse.[ScienceDaily]
Sources
- “I jumped from my chair” – Astronomers spot Betelgeuse’s hidden companionScienceDaily - Science