Answer · Tabby's star (KIC 8462852)
Variability of the star itself, for example in its photosphere, rather than an occulter.
Variability of the star itself, for example in its photosphere, rather than an occulter.
Where it stands
DisputedOne piece of evidence for, two against. It needs two reviews to be accepted.
What it predicts
- Spectral or temperature changes during dips.
- Similar behaviour in other stars of the same type.
What would rule it out
- Dips with no change of any kind in the stellar spectrum and with colours matching extinction by dust.
Evidence 1 for · 2 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). Variability of the star itself, for example in its photosphere, rather than an occulter. [Answer ANS0D8E79WY03MS]. https://mysteriesdept.com/r/ANS0D8E79WY03MS
@misc{mysteriesdept_ans0d8e79wy03ms,
title = {Variability of the star itself, for example in its photosphere, rather than an occulter.},
author = {{Mysteries Department}},
year = {2026},
note = {Answer, catalog key ANS0D8E79WY03MS},
url = {https://mysteriesdept.com/r/ANS0D8E79WY03MS}
}