An early outburst portends a star’s imminent death

Scientists spotted the first early warning sign of a standard type of supernova

illustration of a red supergiant

Scientists observed the last gasp of a type of star called a red supergiant (illustrated). The star brightened before exploding, probably signaling that it had cast off some of its outer layers.

W.M. Keck Observatory, Adam Makarenko

A star’s death usually comes without warning.