Stellar evolution

The yellow star WOH G64 that may become a supernova. Credit: ESO / L. Calçada, CC BY

One of the biggest known stars may be approaching the final stage of its life – a supernova

A new study published in Nature Astronomy provides evidence that WOH G64, one of the largest known stars in the Large Magellanic Cloud, has transitioned from a red giant to a rare yellow supergiant — a transition
Birth of a black hole from a collapsing star – The black hole itself is not visible; around it is an expanding envelope of dust and gas that is drawn in. Credit: Keith Miller, Caltech/IPAC – SELab.

A star in Andromeda “disappeared” without a supernova – and appears to have collapsed directly into a black hole

Analysis of observations from 2005 to 2023 indicates a “failed supernova”: core collapse into a black hole, ejection of outer layers, creation of dust and infrared glow that could remain visible for decades to come