Astronomers have observed a rare 'failed supernova' event where the massive star M31-2014-DS1 in the Andromeda galaxy vanished without the typical supernova explosion, likely collapsing directly into a black hole. This phenomenon, where a star's mass collapses inward without an outward explosion, has been difficult to observe directly. The findings, yet to be peer-reviewed, suggest that 98% of the star's mass formed a black hole, similar to another candidate, N6946-BH1, in the Fireworks Galaxy. Further observations are planned to confirm these events.
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.
Astronomers have observed a massive star, N6946-BH1, that disappeared in 2009 and is now considered a failed supernova. Using data from the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), they have discovered a bright infrared source that could be a remnant dust shell or material infalling into a black hole. Surprisingly, they found three sources instead of one, suggesting a stellar merger rather than a failed supernova. This challenges our understanding of supernovae and stellar mass black holes, and further observations will help distinguish between stellar mergers and true failed supernovae.
Astronomers have used the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) to study the mysterious disappearance of a massive star known as N6946-BH1. Previous observations suggested that the star had collapsed into a black hole rather than exploding into a supernova. However, new data from JWST's NIRCam and MIRI instruments reveal a bright infrared source consistent with material ejected from the star during a rapid brightening phase. Surprisingly, the study also identifies three remnant objects, indicating a possible 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 massive stars.
