NASA Scientist Finds Predicted Companion Star to Betelgeuse
4 months ago
- #Betelgeuse
- #NASA
- #Astronomy
- A century-old hypothesis about Betelgeuse having a close companion star was confirmed by NASA-led research.
- The companion star, named 'Siwarha', was detected using the Gemini North telescope in Hawai’i with a high-resolution camera.
- Direct observation was challenging due to Betelgeuse's intense glow, but advanced imaging techniques overcame atmospheric blurring.
- The discovery may explain periodic brightness changes in red supergiant stars.
- Further observations are planned for November 2027 when the companion star is at its widest separation from Betelgeuse.
- The NN-EXPLORE program supports exoplanet research by providing access to ground-based observational facilities.