Astronomers Witness Rare Failed Supernova in Andromeda Galaxy

In a groundbreaking discovery, astronomers using NASA's NEOWISE infrared telescope have observed a rare phenomenon in the Andromeda galaxy, where a massive star known as M31-2014-DS1 collapsed into a black hole without undergoing a typical supernova explosion. This event, characterized as a 'failed supernova,' was marked by the star's significant dimming in visible light, while it emitted a faint infrared signature from the surrounding dust. This observation provides crucial insights into stellar evolution and the life cycle of massive stars, presenting one of the clearest examples of a quiet stellar collapse in a distant galaxy. Such findings enhance our understanding of black hole formation and the diverse processes involved in the death of stars, challenging previous notions about supernova mechanisms. Researchers emphasize that this event offers a unique opportunity to study the intricate dynamics of cosmic phenomena beyond our Milky Way, contributing valuable knowledge to the field of astrophysics.