Astronomers have lost sight of a star in the Andromeda galaxy, an event that may indicate a rare astronomical phenomenon. The star, designated M31-2014-DS1, was first observed in 2014 when it brightened in the infrared spectrum. Its luminosity remained stable for approximately 1,000 days before fading over another 1,000 days, ultimately disappearing by 2023.
Typically, massive stars undergo a supernova explosion leading to the formation of a black hole. However, M31-2014-DS1 appears to have bypassed this phase, collapsing without the expected dramatic effects. Astrophysicists have termed this phenomenon a 'failed supernova.'
They drew comparisons to a similar object located much further away in the Fireworks galaxy (NGC 6946), which is 22 million light-years from Earth. Researchers propose that stars within a specific mass range, particularly those deficient in hydrogen, may end their lives in this manner.
Indirect evidence supporting this hypothesis could arise from X-ray emissions from candidates for failed supernovae, indicating the presence of matter-consuming black holes. Although such emissions have not yet been detected, scientists believe it is only a matter of time.