Multi-epoch VLTI-PIONIER imaging of the supergiant V766 Cen - Image of the close companion in front of the primary

摘要

Context. The star V766 Cen (=HR 5171A) was originally classified as a yellow hypergiant but lately found to more likely be a 27?36?M⊙ red supergiant (RSG). Recent observations indicated a close eclipsing companion in the contact or common-envelope phase.