"Supernova Discovery Shakes Up Stellar Evolution Theory with Extreme Weight Loss"

The discovery of a nearby supernova, SN 2023ixf, challenges the standard theory of stellar evolution as it exhibited extreme mass loss in the year leading up to its explosion, shedding a mass equivalent to that of the Sun. This unexpected behavior provides insight into the final stages of a star's life and suggests potential instability. The delayed shock breakout observed in SN 2023ixf indicates the presence of dense material from recent mass loss, contradicting previous expectations. Further observations and collaboration between amateur and professional astronomers are crucial in understanding the evolution of massive stars and their supernova explosions.