  Recent numerical MHD simulations suggest that magnetic activity may occur in
late-type giants. A entire red supergiant with stellar parameters equal to
Betelgeuse was modelled in 3d with the high-order "Pencil Code". Linear
kinematic and non-linear saturated dynamo action are found and the non-linear
magnetic field saturates at a super-equipartition value, while in the linear
regime two different modes of dynamo action are found. Magnetic activity of
late-type giants, if it exists, may influence dust and wind formation and
possibly lead to the heating of the outer atmospheres of these stars.

Astrophysics