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● TRACKER Updated 9d ago · 3 sources tracked

Betelgeuse's atmosphere is becoming spotty and asymmetric—and a nearby companion could be shaping the pattern

The giant star Betelgeuse is exhibiting a spotty, asymmetric atmosphere and a bubbling surface. New ALMA images reveal hot regions and a boiling exterior on the star, which possesses nearly 20 times the mass of the sun. Astronomers are investigating a stunning anomaly in the star's appearance, suggesting that a nearby companion may be responsible for shaping these atmospheric patterns.

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  • ✓ Betelgeuse has nearly 20 times the mass of the sun.
  • ✓ ALMA images show the star has a bubbling surface.
🛡️ Source Corroboration: 3 independent reporting domains (80% confidence) ⏱ Read time: ~2 min

What changed

ALMA images have identified a boiling surface and asymmetric atmospheric patterns potentially caused by a companion star.

Live updates

  1. Betelgeuse displays asymmetric atmosphere and bubbling surface

    The giant star Betelgeuse is exhibiting a spotty, asymmetric atmosphere and a bubbling surface. New ALMA images reveal hot regions and a boiling exterior on the star, which possesses nearly 20 times the mass of the sun. Astronomers are investigating a stunning anomaly in the star's appearance, suggesting that a nearby companion may be responsible for shaping these atmospheric patterns.

    Why it matters

    Betelgeuse is a massive red supergiant. Understanding its atmospheric instability helps astronomers predict the behavior of stars nearing the end of their life cycles.

    What is confirmed

    • Betelgeuse has nearly 20 times the mass of the sun.
    • ALMA images show the star has a bubbling surface.

    Still unconfirmed

    • A nearby companion could be shaping Betelgeuse's asymmetric and spotty atmosphere.
    • The star's surface contains hot regions and a stunning anomaly.

    What to watch next

    • Confirmation of the existence and influence of the suspected companion star.
    • Further analysis of the hot regions identified in ALMA imagery.
    Sources used for this update (6)
    1. Phys.org — Betelgeuse's atmosphere is becoming spotty and asymmetric—and a nearby companion could be shaping the pattern
    2. CPG Click Oil and Gas — Giant Star Nearly 20 Times the Mass of the Sun, Betelgeuse, Displays Bubbling Surface in New ALMA Images; Hot Regions Intrigue Astronomers
    3. Futura, le média qui explore le monde — Betelgeuse as you’ve never seen it: a boiling surface and a stunning anomaly
    4. Phys.org — Best of 2026-09-05
    5. Phys.org — 'Quiet' pulsar suddenly reveals three glitches in 15 years of observations
    6. Phys.org — Growing up socially isolated linked to young people becoming NEET
    confidence 80%
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