ESOcast 217 Light: ESO Telescope Sees Surface of Dim Betelgeuse

ESO Telescope Sees Surface of Dim Betelgeuse ESO’s Very Large Telescope has captured the unprecedented dimming of Betelgeuse. Scientists observed the red supergiant star in January and December 2019… …giving us a picture of Betelgeuse before and after dimming. The new images of the star’s surface show not only the fading Betelgeuse but also how its apparent shape is changing. Located over 700 light-years away in Orion’s constellation, Betelgeuse will one day become a supernova.

01:01 - But astronomers think this will not happen anytime soon… …and are considering alternative explanations as to what is causing the star to dim. Transcribed by ESO; Translated by — .