The dusty eclipses of Betelgeuse
Abstract
Betelgeuse, the semiregular variable star of type C has two main periods of 425 and 2100 days; its light curve form is not known, being well defined only the minima. The present May-June 2020 maximum at magnitude 0.4, follows the historical minimum at 1.45 of February 2020. The rapidity of descent and ascent with V-shape, was reproduced in all past cycles. Many observations with airmass correction as AAVSO/SGQ-VOL individuated clearly all minima and no maximum, why? Minima are reliably eclipses by a dust cloud, which can enforce occasionally the luminosity when in "superior conjunction". Maxima each 5.8 years reflect the main pulsation of the star or the interaction between alf Ori A and B.
- Publication:
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Gerbertvs, International Academic Publication on History of Medieval Science
- Pub Date:
- July 2020
- Bibcode:
- 2020Gerb...13...69S
- Keywords:
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- Stellar Variability;
- Semi-regular Variable Star;
- Dust;
- Light curve