The star Betelgeuse might just be dusty, not about to explode
The red supergiant’s time doesn’t appear to be nigh after all
![](https://i0.wp.com/www.sciencenews.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/031020_LG_betelgeuse_feat.jpg?fit=1028%2C579&ssl=1)
This infrared image, taken in December 2019 with the Very Large Telescope in Chile, shows dust surrounding the star Betelgeuse. That dust may explain why the star recently dimmed, scientists say. The orange dot is Betelgeuse, and the black disk blocks out most of the star’s light so that the dust can be seen.
ESO, P. Kervella, M. Montargès et al, Eric Pantin