One of the universe’s largest known stars may be on the brink of a spectacular explosion, according to new research. The star, designated WOH G64, experienced a significant transformation in 2014, and scientists now believe it could be preparing to go supernova.
A study led by Gonzalo Muñoz-Sanchez from the National Observatory of Athens, published today in Nature Astronomy, reveals that WOH G64 has shifted from a red supergiant to a rare yellow hypergiant. This change is considered a potential precursor to a supernova, the explosive death of a star.
The research suggests that we may be witnessing, in real-time, a star shedding its outer layers, contracting, and heating up as it approaches the final stages of its life cycle. The transformation indicates that WOH G64 is moving towards its end, with scientists closely monitoring its behavior for further signs of imminent explosion.
This discovery is significant because it provides a rare glimpse into the final phases of massive star evolution. WOH G64, located in the Large Magellanic Cloud, is estimated to be over 20 times the mass of the Sun and several hundred times its size at its largest. Its transition from a red supergiant to a yellow hypergiant marks an unusual and critical phase, often associated with unstable stellar conditions that precede supernovae.
Understanding such processes not only sheds light on the life cycle of massive stars but also helps astronomers predict and prepare for these cosmic events, which have profound effects on the surrounding universe, dispersing heavy elements essential for planet formation and life.
