Betelgeuse observations reveal persistent hot spots in atmosphere

New detailed observations of Betelgeuse, the prominent red supergiant in the Orion constellation, have revealed persistent hot spots within its atmosphere that remain largely unchanged for years. Using the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA), astronomers captured one of the most detailed images of the star to date, showing a surface that is far more dynamic and irregular than previously expected.

While the average temperature in the observed region is approximately 2,000 degrees Celsius—aligning with theoretical models—researchers identified two bright areas hundreds of degrees hotter than their surroundings. Scientists believe these spots are likely caused by hot gas rising from deeper layers of the star through heat transfer processes. The longevity of these structures challenges current stellar evolution models, as they persist much longer than predicted.

Betelgeuse is a critical subject for studying the final evolutionary stages of massive stars. It possesses roughly 14 times the mass of the Sun and a radius exceeding 650 times the solar radius; if positioned at the center of our solar system, it would extend beyond the orbit of Jupiter.