Betelgeuse, also known as Betel-gurz or Beetle-juice, has captivated amateur astronomers for years with its stunning appearance and variability. Recently, its unexpected dimming has sparked even more interest in this red supergiant variable star located in the Orion constellation. The dimming, which occurred towards the end of 2019 and returned to normal in the first half of 2020, has been attributed to a dust cloud event known as ‘The Great Dimming.’
A newly published paper suggests that Betelgeuse’s long-term variability may be caused by a companion star with a mass of 1.17 solar masses. This companion star, named Ori B, could potentially be modulating the dust surrounding the system, leading to fluctuations in Betelgeuse’s brightness. If confirmed, Ori B’s presence could significantly impact our understanding of Betelgeuse’s evolution and impending supernova.
Betelgeuse holds a special place in the night sky as one of the brightest stars visible to the naked eye. Situated prominently in the Orion constellation, Betelgeuse’s massive size, with a radius approximately 1,000 times that of the Sun, and its distance of 642 light years from Earth make it a fascinating celestial body to study.
The Long Secondary Period of Betelgeuse
One of Betelgeuse’s intriguing features is its Long Secondary Period (LSP) of approximately 2,100 days. This secondary cycle, observed in many red giant stars, remains a mystery in terms of its underlying mechanism. Some theories suggest that the LSP could be a result of outer layer pulsations, indicating Betelgeuse’s potential for a supernova explosion in the coming centuries.
The Role of Ori B in Betelgeuse’s Variability
While Betelgeuse’s impending supernova has been a topic of discussion among astronomers, the discovery of Ori B as a potential companion star offers a new perspective on Betelgeuse’s variability. The modulation of dust by Ori B during its transit could explain the observed fluctuations in Betelgeuse’s brightness, delaying its anticipated supernova event and adding another layer of complexity to its evolutionary timeline.
Betelgeuse continues to intrigue and fascinate astronomers with its unique characteristics and unexpected behavior. The ongoing research and discoveries surrounding this red supergiant variable star shed light on the complexities of stellar evolution and the intricate processes that govern the life cycles of celestial bodies in our universe. As we unravel the mysteries of Betelgeuse, we gain a deeper understanding of the dynamic and ever-changing nature of the cosmos.
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