Astronomers discover companion star of Betelgeuse

Researchers confirm the existence of a companion star for Betelgeuse, raising intriguing implications.

Astronomers unveil evidence of Betelgeuse's companion star named Siwarha

A team of astronomers has confirmed the existence of a companion star orbiting Betelgeuse, one of the brightest stars in the night sky. Using the Gemini North telescope in Hawaii, they identified a faint star, which they have nicknamed Siwarha, due to its proximity to Betelgeuse. This discovery may explain the regular six-year cycle of brightness that has puzzled astronomers. The companion star, 1.5 times the mass of our sun and still in its early formation, orbits at a distance of four times that between the Earth and the sun. However, due to its orbiting path, it is expected to merge with Betelgeuse within 10,000 years, raising questions about the future of both stars.

The discovery of Siwarha offers an exciting glimpse into the dynamics of stellar bodies within our galaxy. By potentially solving the mystery behind Betelgeuse's brightness variations, astronomers may gain further insights into the life cycles of massive stars. However, the eventual fate of the companion adds a layer of urgency to the research. The possibility of a supernova event occurring while Siwarha is still in orbit presents a unique scenario that could deepen our understanding of stellar evolution. As astronomers plan to use similar techniques to investigate other bright stars, the implications of this finding extend beyond Betelgeuse alone.

Highlights

The fate of Betelgeuse and its companion could reshape our understanding of stellar life and death.