The research team used multiple advanced instruments, including the GRAVITY instrument at the Very Large Telescope Interferometer in Chile. They collected data across different wavelengths of light, from near-infrared to mid-infrared, allowing them to build a comprehensive picture of the star's environment.

The most striking finding was a fundamental change in the star's spectrum - how its light is distributed across different wavelengths. Before 2010, the star's spectrum showed clear water absorption features. After 2016, the spectrum transformed into a continuously rising pattern with minimal water signatures.

The scientists believe this change is caused by the formation of new, hot dust grains close to the star's surface. These grains are likely composed of transparent materials like aluminum oxide or magnesium silicates, which condense at extremely high temperatures around 1,500 Kelvin.

The study has several constraints. The sparse historical data makes it challenging to pinpoint exactly when the dust formation began. Additionally, the observations are limited to a single star, so researchers cannot yet generalize these findings to all red supergiants.

This research provides a rare glimpse into the dynamic processes occurring in massive, dying stars. The dust formation could have significant implications for understanding stellar evolution, mass loss, and the eventual supernova explosion.

Interestingly, the team also noticed the star appears brighter in certain light bands, potentially due to light scattering from these new dust grains - a subtle but intriguing phenomenon.

The research was supported by multiple institutions, including the European Southern Observatory, NASA, and various national research councils. The team utilized data from multiple sky survey projects and space telescopes, demonstrating the collaborative nature of modern astronomical research.