One of the biggest stars in the universe might be getting ready to explode
Phys.org
February 24, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
One of the largest known stars in the universe, WOH G64, has undergone a significant transformation that could signal an impending supernova. In 2014, researchers observed this massive star shifting from its red supergiant phase to a rare yellow hypergiant phase—a change that may indicate it is preparing to explode. This discovery, led by Gonzalo Muñoz-Sánchez of the National Observatory of Athens and published in *Nature Astronomy*, provides fresh insights into stellar evolution and the mechanisms behind supernovae.
Red supergiants are among the largest and brightest stars in the universe, but they eventually transition through various phases before ending their lives in explosive events like supernovas. WOH G64’s transformation to a yellow hypergiant is particularly notable because such transitions are rare and not well understood. Yellow hypergiants are even more luminous than red supergiants and often serve as intermediate stages between these two extremes. The study highlights how this star’s outer layers have become thinner, revealing its deeper, hotter interior and shifting its color from red to yellow.
This research is significant for astronomers because it offers a rare opportunity to observe such a dramatic phase of stellar evolution in real-time. Understanding the processes that lead stars like WOH G64 to transition and potentially explode as supernovae is crucial for advancing our knowledge of cosmic events. Supernovae are not only awe-inspiring phenomena but also key contributors to the distribution of heavy elements in the universe, which are essential for forming planets and life.
While it remains uncertain exactly when or if WOH G64 will explode, its transformation provides valuable data for scientists studying similar stars. Such discoveries remind us of the dynamic nature of the cosmos and the constant changes occurring even in some of its most massive and distant objects. For science enthusiasts, this story underscores the importance of monitoring celestial bodies to unravel the mysteries of
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Originally published on Phys.org on 2/24/2026