Astronomers Witness Star's Final Moments, Revealing Supernova Secret

J. Craig Wheeler, an astronomer at the University of Texas at Austin and co-author of the study in Science Advances, explained that massive stars, up to 20 times the mass of the Sun, do not explode symmetrically. Instead, this supernova expanded both upward and downward, creating an oblong shape before the final explosion. We captured it at an exceptionally early stage and monitored its transformation as it expanded, Wheeler said.

The star, named SN 2024ggi, was observed thanks to the quick actions of Yi Yang, the lead author and Texas A&M graduate. Fresh from a 14-hour flight from China, Yang immediately coordinated with the European Southern Observatory (ESO) to redirect telescopes and record the event.

Wheeler described the process leading to a supernova: massive stars undergo sequential nuclear fusion, converting lighter elements like hydrogen and helium into heavier ones such as carbon, oxygen, and silicon, eventually forming an iron core. Unlike other elements, iron absorbs energy rather than releasing it, causing the stars core to collapse and form a neutron star, a dense object with a stellar mass compressed into just a few miles.

The tremendous energy released during this collapse not only drives the supernova explosion but also disperses the elements that form planets and life. Wheeler noted, The calcium in our bones and the iron in our blood originate from such supernovae.

Looking forward, the team aims to secure more telescope time to continue observing dying stars. Supernovas are unpredictable, so rapid response is essential, Wheeler emphasized, praising Yangs swift coordination as a perfect example of such readiness.

Author: Benjamin Carter