Scientists Identify Betelgeuse’s Long-Sought Companion Star

Speedy Summary

• Betelgeuse, one of the brightest stars in the Orion constellation, has been observed for millennia.
• in 2019-2020, its dramatic “great Dimming” episode was caused by a large dust plume rather of an impending supernova.
• Recent studies reveal betelgeuse has a companion star in tight orbit, discovered using the Gemini North telescope’s ‘Alopeke instrument.
• This discovery explains Betelgeuse’s six-year-long brightness cycle observed alongside its primary 400-day variability period.
• The companion star is six magnitudes fainter than Betelgeuse adn is a blue-white A- or B-type pre-main-sequence star with a mass 1.5 times that of the sun.It doesn’t yet burn hydrogen at its core like mature stars do.
• Both stars likely formed simultaneously but are predicted to collide due to tidal forces within approximately 10,000 years.

Indian Opinion Analysis
This discovery suggests significant advancements in imaging technologies used for astrophysics research, as even extremely faint objects can now be identified through efforts like those deployed by the Gemini Observatory’s ‘Alopeke instrument on Mauna Kea. Insights from studying variable red supergiants such as Betelgeuse could deepen understanding of stellar lifecycles and influence broader cosmic studies in India too-for example,aiding astrophysical research under Indian observatories equipped with advanced instrumentation like at Hanle or Pune.

For India’s scientific community investing heavily in space exploration (e.g., ISRO projects), discoveries like this exemplify how partnerships and innovation from global astronomy could be leveraged domestically while enriching global contributions furthering celestial knowledge.

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