News Astronomy

Scientists spotted an electron-capture supernova for the first time

Some stars explode when atomic nuclei in their cores sop up electrons

electron-capture supernova, shown as white dot, in space

Confirming a decades-old prediction, scientists found the first clear example of a type of stellar explosion called an electron-capture supernova (large white dot at right).

J. DePasquale, Las Cumbres Observatory, NASA, STScI

By Emily Conover

- More than 2 years ago

A long-predicted type of cosmic explosion has finally burst onto the scene.