Recent studies have provided insights into the unusual dimming of Betelgeuse, a prominent red supergiant star in the constellation Orion. Observations indicate that the dimming events are likely due to interactions with a companion star, referred to as "Betelbuddy," which influences the distribution of dust around Betelgeuse, affecting its observed brightness.
Betelgeuse has been known for its variability in brightness, undergoing cycles of increasing and decreasing luminosity. The recent dimming episodes have been linked to the presence of a companion star orbiting Betelgeuse. As this companion moves through space, it interacts with the surrounding dust, clearing some of it away and causing Betelgeuse to appear brighter when the dust is displaced. Conversely, when more dust accumulates, the star appears dimmer. This process is akin to a cosmic snowplow effect, where the companion star's movement influences the amount of dust obscuring Betelgeuse's light from our perspective on Earth.
These findings suggest that the variability in Betelgeuse's brightness is not solely due to internal processes within the star but is also significantly influenced by external factors, such as the gravitational interactions with its companion star and the resulting changes in the surrounding dust environment. This discovery enhances our understanding of the complex dynamics governing massive stars and their evolution.