Astronomers tracked the movement of these convective granules, noting that their motion is quicker than what is observed on the Sun.

The convection process involves the transport of energy from nuclear fusion in the star's core through large bubbles of hot gas, akin to the functioning of a lava lamp.

This convection process plays a crucial role in mixing elements like carbon and nitrogen throughout the star and may contribute to stellar winds.

The study revealed that the convection bubbles on R Doradus appear and disappear at a rate much faster than previously predicted, completing a cycle in about one month.

Wouter Vlemmings, the study's lead researcher from Chalmers University of Technology, emphasized the unprecedented detail observed in the star's convection process.

R Doradus, a red giant star located approximately 180 light-years away in the constellation Dorado, boasts a diameter about 350 times that of the Sun.

Utilizing the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) in Chile, researchers captured unprecedented images of R Doradus, overcoming initial weather-related challenges during observations conducted from early July to early August 2023.

These successful observations allowed scientists to create multiple usable images, enabling them to track the movement of gas bubbles on the star's surface over time.

The study indicates that convective properties differ among stars at various evolutionary stages, enhancing our understanding of stellar evolution.

The findings were published in the journal Nature, marking a significant advancement in the study of stellar dynamics beyond our solar system.

Historically, R Doradus has not been extensively studied due to visibility limitations from the northern hemisphere, but ALMA's capabilities have transformed this perspective.

This breakthrough not only offers insights into the behavior of R Doradus but may also provide clues about the future of our own Sun.