Astronomers trace a star's three-year infrared glow to black hole birth
Phys.org
February 14, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Astronomers have discovered a rare cosmic event that provides new insights into the life cycle of massive stars and the formation of black holes. In 2014, NASA's telescope observed a massive star in the Andromeda galaxy emitting increasing infrared light over three years before suddenly dimming and disappearing, leaving behind a shell of dust. This phenomenon marks one of the few direct observations of a star transitioning into a black hole.
The gradual brightening of the star's infrared glow, followed by its rapid decline, aligns with theoretical models predicting the final stages of massive stellar evolution. Such events are rare due to their short observational window and the vast distances involved in studying galaxies outside the Milky Way. The delay in identifying this event highlights the importance of long-term monitoring programs in astronomy.
This discovery not only supports current theories about stellar evolution but also underscores the dynamic nature of cosmic processes. For science enthusiasts, it offers a glimpse into the transformative events that shape galaxies and the universe itself, emphasizing the ongoing mysteries and discoveries in astrophysics.
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Originally published on Phys.org on 2/14/2026