Copenhagen, Denmark – Astrophysicists at the University of Copenhagen have unraveled a mysterious phenomenon involving stars vanishing from the night sky. Their research on a unique binary star system has uncovered compelling evidence that massive stars can collapse entirely and transform into black holes without the expected supernova explosion.
As stars age, they go through various stages, leading to different outcomes based on their mass. For instance, when our Sun reaches the end of its life cycle, it will expand into a red giant before eventually collapsing into a white dwarf. However, stars around eight times the mass of the Sun are likely to end their lives in a fiery supernova explosion, leaving behind either a neutron star or a black hole.
Recent studies have shed light on a binary star system called VFTS 243, located on the edge of the Milky Way galaxy in the Large Magellanic Cloud. This system is home to a massive star and a black hole about 10 times the mass of the Sun. What sets VFTS 243 apart is the absence of any signs of a supernova explosion that typically accompanies the formation of a black hole.
Contrary to expectations, the researchers found no evidence of a “natal kick,” an acceleration usually observed in black holes or neutron stars following a violent supernova. The orbital symmetry of VFTS 243 remains unchanged, indicating a lack of asymmetry expected from a supernova event. Furthermore, the energy released during the star’s collapse aligns more with a scenario involving neutrinos rather than baryonic matter, supporting the theory of a complete collapse without a supernova explosion.
This groundbreaking discovery presents an opportunity to compare astrophysical theories and model calculations with actual observations. By studying the VFTS 243 system, researchers hope to gain valuable insights into stellar evolution and collapse processes. The system serves as a benchmark for future research and offers a tangible example of black hole formation through total collapse, challenging existing models and theories in astrophysics.
Overall, the investigation into VFTS 243 provides a unique perspective on stellar deaths and prompts further exploration into the mysterious world of collapsing massive stars and the formation of black holes.