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Astronomers find strongest evidence yet that Betelgeuse has a companion
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Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian
Astronomers have firm evidence that Betelgeuse, one of the most famous stars in the night sky, is not alone.
“Honestly, I thought we did not have the sensitivity to detect Betelgeuse B as it was predicted,” explains Montargès.
While there was evidence for the existence of this companion star, including a possible direct detection with the Gemini North Telescope in Hawaiʻi, USA, this is the strongest evidence for, and clearest image yet of, Betelgeuse B.
The potential detection of Betelgeuse B will prompt astronomers to investigate how the companion could affect Betelgeuse's anticipated supernova explosion.
This research was presented in a paper titled “VLT/SPHERE images the candidate companion of Betelgeuse” to appear in Astronomy & Astrophysics.