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Astronomers Capture Clearest Image Of Betelgeuse's Companion Star

The team plans further observations over the next year to confirm its orbit and determine whether it could influence Betelgeuse's eventual supernova explosion.

,   and  TIPP Staff
2 min read
Astronomers observe companion star orbiting stellar giant Betelgeuse. Pic via(@Reuters)

Astronomers have captured the clearest image yet of Betelgeuse B, a companion star orbiting the red supergiant Betelgeuse, according to a study published on Tuesday.

The discovery was confirmed by lead researcher Miguel Montargès and his team using the European Southern Observatory's Very Large Telescope.

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The report said scientists first proposed the existence of a companion star nearly a century ago to explain Betelgeuse's unusual dimming, which has been observed for more than 1,000 years.

The latest findings strengthen the case that Betelgeuse is part of a binary star system.

According to the researchers, Betelgeuse B has an estimated mass two to three times that of the Sun.

The team plans further observations over the next year to confirm its orbit and determine whether it could influence Betelgeuse's eventual supernova explosion.

Montargès described the discovery as the culmination of a century-long scientific search and said further studies will examine the companion's role in the giant star's evolution.

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