A star appears to have collapsed straight into a black hole without supernova
Astronomers observed a massive star transforming into a black hole without a supernova, suggesting up to 30% of such stars may collapse this way, impacting our understanding of black hole formation.
Read original article
Astronomers have observed a massive star, 25 times the mass of the sun, that likely transformed into a black hole without undergoing a typical supernova explosion. This phenomenon, termed a "failed supernova," was studied using the Large Binocular Telescope and NASA's Hubble and Spitzer space telescopes. The star, located in the spiral galaxy NGC 6946, was initially visible and even increased in brightness significantly before disappearing from sight. Researchers concluded that the star must have collapsed into a black hole, as no remnants of a supernova were detected. This discovery suggests that up to 30% of massive stars may end their lives in this manner, which could explain the scarcity of observed supernovae from the most massive stars. The findings have implications for understanding the formation of very massive black holes, particularly those detected by the LIGO experiment, as it raises questions about the mass retention of stars post-explosion. The research was conducted by a team from The Ohio State University and supported by the National Science Foundation.
- A massive star was observed transforming into a black hole without a supernova.
- This process is referred to as a "failed supernova."
- Up to 30% of massive stars may collapse into black holes without exploding.
- The findings could explain the low number of observed supernovae from massive stars.
- The research has implications for understanding the origins of very massive black holes detected by LIGO.
Related
Astronomers see a black hole awaken in real time
A massive black hole in galaxy SDSS1335+0728 has unexpectedly awakened, transforming it into an active galactic nucleus. This long-lasting event challenges previous astronomical knowledge on galaxy dynamics.
Fresh wind blows from supernova recorded in 1181
Researchers solved the mystery of SN 1181, a rare supernova from historical records. Two white dwarfs collided, forming a visible "guest star" for 180 days. High-speed winds from the remnant challenge conventional understanding. Interdisciplinary research combines history and astronomy, offering new insights.
Temporary star from historical documents recreated using new computer model
A rare supernova event from 1181, SN 1181, explained by a new computer model revealing a collision of white dwarf stars. The study highlights diverse supernova explosions and interdisciplinary research combining history with modern astronomy.
Stupendously Large: How big can black holes get?
Astronomers are discovering ultramassive black holes, significantly larger than supermassive ones, with Ton 618 being 66 billion solar masses. The James Webb Space Telescope aids in understanding their formation and origins.
Researchers spot black hole feeding at 40x its theoretical limit
Researchers discovered black hole LID-568, feeding at 40 times the Eddington Limit, challenging theories on supermassive black hole growth. Its feeding may have impacted star formation in its dwarf galaxy.
11 commentshttps://open.clemson.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1006&co...
Imagine seeing that up fairly close - a massive star just shrivel into a black hole and wink out.
Is there an astrophysicist in the house?
As many as 30 percent of such stars
may quietly collapse into black holes
no supernova required.
Is that a significant contribution to 'dark matter'?
Related
Astronomers see a black hole awaken in real time
A massive black hole in galaxy SDSS1335+0728 has unexpectedly awakened, transforming it into an active galactic nucleus. This long-lasting event challenges previous astronomical knowledge on galaxy dynamics.
Fresh wind blows from supernova recorded in 1181
Researchers solved the mystery of SN 1181, a rare supernova from historical records. Two white dwarfs collided, forming a visible "guest star" for 180 days. High-speed winds from the remnant challenge conventional understanding. Interdisciplinary research combines history and astronomy, offering new insights.
Temporary star from historical documents recreated using new computer model
A rare supernova event from 1181, SN 1181, explained by a new computer model revealing a collision of white dwarf stars. The study highlights diverse supernova explosions and interdisciplinary research combining history with modern astronomy.
Stupendously Large: How big can black holes get?
Astronomers are discovering ultramassive black holes, significantly larger than supermassive ones, with Ton 618 being 66 billion solar masses. The James Webb Space Telescope aids in understanding their formation and origins.
Researchers spot black hole feeding at 40x its theoretical limit
Researchers discovered black hole LID-568, feeding at 40 times the Eddington Limit, challenging theories on supermassive black hole growth. Its feeding may have impacted star formation in its dwarf galaxy.