Supergiant star Betelgeuse is full of mysteries. New observations might solve the biggest one

By Ashley Strickland, CNN

Photo: MARK GARLICK/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRA

Astronomers have long searched for clues that a hidden companion star sits out of view near the red supergiant star Betelgeuse. Now, they've uncovered a new piece of evidence: a trail like the wake behind a boat, cutting through Betelgeuse's upper atmosphere, likely forged by the unseen companion.

Betelgeuse's reddish tint can be spotted gleaming from the Orion constellation, situated about 650 light-years away from Earth.

The bright star is so large that more than 400 million suns could fit inside of it. Its relative proximity and luminosity have made it a favorite among astronomers who observe and study the giant star's evolution.

Yet, despite being so well known, Betelgeuse has its share of secrets - one of the biggest being why it appears to vary in brightness over a six-year cycle, and if the unseen stellar companion, nicknamed 'Betelbuddy', is responsible for this variability.

Hints about the possible companion star were shared in research published last year, in which scientists suggested formally naming the object Siwarha, or "her bracelet", an Arabic name befitting the companion to Betelgeuse, which means 'Hand of the Giant'. ('Elgeuse' is also the historic Arabic name of the Orion constellation.)

Siwarha would likely be too small and fa