Answer · Tabby's star (KIC 8462852)
Material between us and the star, not bound to it, such as structure in the interstellar medium or a small…
Material between us and the star, not bound to it, such as structure in the interstellar medium or a small body with a large disk crossing the line of sight.
Where it stands
Still possibleIts tests haven't settled it: two pieces of evidence for, one against. It needs two reviews to be accepted.
What it predicts
- Dip timing is random and unrelated to any orbital period of the star.
- Interstellar absorption lines (such as sodium) vary with the dips.
- The fade and the dips share one cause.
What would rule it out
- A strict periodicity in the dips, or a direct measurement placing the dust within a few au of the star (for example from its orbital speed across the disk).
Evidence 2 for · 1 against
FOR
The questions it answers
Most likelyClumps of fine dust orbiting the star, released by comets, planetesimals or other bodies close to it
Cite it
Mysteries Department. (2026). Material between us and the star, not bound to it, such as structure in the interstellar medium or a small… [Answer ANS0D8E78XP0036]. https://mysteriesdept.com/r/ANS0D8E78XP0036
@misc{mysteriesdept_ans0d8e78xp0036,
title = {Material between us and the star, not bound to it, such as structure in the interstellar medium or a small…},
author = {{Mysteries Department}},
year = {2026},
note = {Answer, catalog key ANS0D8E78XP0036},
url = {https://mysteriesdept.com/r/ANS0D8E78XP0036}
}