The two objects make for a strange pair. Unlike Betelgeuse, which is approaching the end of its life, the blue-white companion (or Betelbuddy) has yet to start burning hydrogen in its core. In other words, the star hasn’t entered the chapter of its life known as the main sequence — one that characterizes many stars, including our own.

More recently, astronomers have proposed a theory for its volatile nature, which explains the star's seemingly erratic changes in brightness. They've suggested an unseen companion star orbiting Betelgeuse is periodically clearing dust out of the giant star's way to reveal more of its starlight.

Scientists have long speculated that Betelgeuse, one of the brightest stars in the night sky, is not alone. Now, thanks to the powerful Gemini North Telescope in Hawaii, astronomers suggest they’ve spotted Betelgeuse’s elusive companion —a smaller star in a tight orbit around it, both sitting at the shoulder of the constellation Orion.