This orbital configuration matches observed variations in Betelgeuse’s light curve and radial velocity. Related Stories ・Webb Telescope discovers ‘weird’ galaxy that is outshining stars ...

Betelgeuse has been a favorite among amateur astronomers for many years. However you pronounce it, its unexpected dimming draws even more attention to this red supergiant variable star in Orion.

But it's not going to hurt us. Betelgeuse is the shoulder of Orion, a red giant sitting about 500 light years away. It's huge, weighing somewhere between 15 and 20 solar masses, but is so extended ...