Betelgeuse - An Enigmatic Red Supergiant

Explore the fascinating mysteries of Betelgeuse, one of the most enigmatic red supergiants in our galaxy, through this comprehensive webinar presentation by Dr. Andrea Dupree, Senior Astrophysicist at the Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian. Delve into over a century of astronomical observations that have revealed the star's puzzling behavior, including the recent "Great Dimming" event that captivated astronomers worldwide and the intriguing possibility of a hidden companion star lurking deep within Betelgeuse's atmosphere. Learn about the historical significance of this bright supergiant and discover how it continues to surprise and challenge our understanding of stellar evolution. Understand the unique contributions made by the American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO) in monitoring this celestial giant and gain insights into ongoing research efforts aimed at unraveling its secrets. The presentation includes a detailed question and answer session where complex astronomical concepts are clarified, followed by a discussion on short period pulsators led by Eric Hintz, providing additional context about variable star research and observation techniques used in modern astronomy.