Astronomers observe companion star orbiting stellar giant Betelgeuse
The image gives the strongest evidence yet that Betelgeuse has a binary companion, and astronomers will need follow-up observations to confirm its orbit.
- On Tuesday, July 28, 2026, researchers published the clearest image ever of Betelgeuse B, a star orbiting the red supergiant Betelgeuse. Lead researcher Miguel Montargès of the Observatoire de Paris confirmed the discovery using the European Southern Observatory's Very Large Telescope.
- Astronomers proposed the existence of this companion around 100 years ago to explain Betelgeuse's strange dimming, observed for over 1,000 years. This discovery brings scientists closer to identifying Betelgeuse as a binary system.
- Data reveals Betelgeuse B has around two to three times the mass of the sun. Co-author Anthony Boccaletti said the SPHERE instrument can "excel at detecting a companion around a massive, evolved star."
- Researchers must observe it in one year on the star's opposite side to be certain, Montargès stated. The team is investigating if the companion influences Betelgeuse's anticipated supernova explosion.
- Montargès called the findings the "conclusion of a century-long quest," noting he was surprised by the detection sensitivity. Scientists will continue studying how this companion might shape the red supergiant's future.
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70 Articles
Does Betelgeuse Have a Companion Star? New Telescope Images Provide the Strongest Evidence Yet
Astronomers using ESO's Very Large Telescope have captured the clearest evidence yet of a possible companion star orbiting Betelgeuse, supporting a theory first proposed nearly a century ago.
Astronomers Capture Clearest Image Of Betelgeuse's Companion Star
Astronomers have captured the clearest image yet of Betelgeuse B, a companion star orbiting the red supergiant Betelgeuse, according to a study published on Tuesday. The discovery was confirmed by lead researcher Miguel Montargès and his team using the European Southern Observatory's Very Large Telescope.💡The report said scientists first proposed the existence of a companion star nearly a century ago to explain Betelgeuse's unusual dimming, whi…
New telescope images provide best evidence yet that the bright red star Betelgeuse is actually 2 stars in disguise
Betelgeuse, the bright reddish star that marks Orion's shoulder, has kept skywatchers company for thousands of years — and it may have had company of its own the whole time.Astronomers say they've captured the clearest image yet of a faint star orbiting tightly around Betelgeuse, in what they're calling the strongest evidence so far that the famous red supergiant isn't flying solo. The find was announced by the European Southern Observatory (ESO…
Betelgeuse Companion Star Discovered: Astronomers Confirm Binary System in Milestone Imaging | 🔬 LatestLY
Astronomers have confirmed via direct imaging that the red supergiant Betelgeuse has a binary companion star. While solving a century-long mystery, the discovery complicates predictions for when the massive star will eventually end in a supernova explosion. 'If the two stars have interacted or will interact, it could delay or accelerate the supernova,' author Miguel Montargès said. 🔬 Betelgeuse Companion Star Discovered: Astronomers Confirm Bin…
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