Twis Week in Astronomy: Dark Energy Might Be Changing, Hidden Star Orbiting Betelgeuse and Rocky Planets Forming

Dark Energy Might Be Changing Over TimeScientists have combined data from over 2,000 exploding stars to better study dark energy—the mysterious force causing the universe to expand. New analysis suggests dark energy may not be constant, possibly challenging current theories. This could have major implications for how the universe evolves or ends. More data from future telescopes will help clarify the picture.Hidden Star Found Orbiting BetelgeuseAstronomers discovered a hidden companion star very close to Betelgeuse, using a special imaging technique. This helps explain Betelgeuse’s brightness changes and offers insights into the future of this massive star. The smaller star may eventually merge with Betelgeuse, and the discovery opens the door for finding similar hidden companions around other stars.First Glimpse of Rocky Planets Forming Around Baby StarUsing the Webb Telescope and observatories in Chile, scientists saw the earliest solid materials forming around a young sun-like star, a key first step in building rocky planets. This is the clearest evidence yet of how Earth-like planets might begin to form and suggests the process could be common in the universe.Thank you for listening to Bedtime Astronomy — your guide to the cosmos. New episodes on space exploration, NASA missions & the latest astronomy breakthroughs.