ALMA and VLA Reveal Signs of a Companion Stirring Betelgeuse’s Atmosphere

Atmospheric Stirring in Betelgeuse

The red supergiant Betelgeuse, located in the constellation Orion, remains a focal point for astronomers due to its dynamic atmospheric behavior. New observations conducted with the ALMA and VLA radio telescope arrays have provided fresh insights into the mechanisms driving the turbulences observed in the star's upper atmosphere.

Technical Measurements by ALMA and VLA

Radio and millimeter-wavelength observations captured intricate atmospheric variations surrounding the supergiant. The data confirmed the existence of a cool atmospheric layer near the star's surface while revealing structural shifts consistent with gravitational interactions from a close companion star stirring the gas layers.

The Companion Hypothesis and Scientific Impact

Understanding how massive stars in late evolutionary stages interact with nearby objects is vital for astrophysics. If confirmed, the presence of a close companion stirring Betelgeuse's outer layers will significantly refine models of mass loss and pre-supernova evolution in supergiant stars.