Unraveling the Enigma: JWST Sheds Light on the Vanishing Massive Star

In 2009, a massive star known as N6946-BH1 underwent a period of brightening, leading astronomers to believe it was about to explode into a supernova. However, it faded instead of exploding, and subsequent observations couldn't detect the star. A new study using data from the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has revealed a bright infrared source consistent with material ejected from the star during its rapid brightening. Surprisingly, the study also found three remnant objects instead of one, suggesting a stellar merger rather than a failed supernova. This discovery complicates our understanding of supernovae and the formation of stellar-mass black holes. Further observations will help distinguish between stellar mergers and true failed supernovae, shedding light on the final stages of stars becoming black holes.