Astronomers just watched a star 1,540 times the size of our sun transform into a hypergiant. Will it go supernova?

Astronomers have observed a star 1,540 times the size of our sun transforming into a hypergiant, raising questions about whether it will eventually go supernova.

26 Feb, 22:00 — 28 Feb, 11:02

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Why this matters

Massive stars undergo dramatic life cycles, often ending in spectacular supernova explosions, which are fundamental to cosmic evolution. Observing a star transform into a hypergiant in real-time offers unprecedented data to refine our understanding of stellar evolution, particularly the processes leading to these powerful cosmic events. This research helps astronomers predict and understand the ultimate fate of the universe's largest stars and their role in creating the elements necessary for life.

Key entitiesAstronomers Star Sun