M31-2014-DS1
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| Observation data Epoch J2000.0 Equinox J2000.0 | |
|---|---|
| Constellation | Andromeda |
| Right ascension | 00h 45m 13.47509s[1] |
| Declination | +41° 32′ 33.1467″[1] |
| Apparent magnitude (V) | ~22 (pre-2014)[citation needed] |
| Characteristics | |
| Evolutionary stage | Yellow supergiant (progenitor)[2] |
| Variable type | Failed supernova (candidate)[2] |
| Astrometry | |
| Proper motion (μ) | RA: −0.171[1] mas/yr Dec.: −0.106[1] mas/yr |
| Parallax (π) | 0.0948±0.2315 mas[1] |
| Distance | 2.5M ly (770k[2] pc) |
| Details[2] | |
| Progenitor | |
| Luminosity | 93,325 L☉ |
| Temperature | 4,500 K |
| Other designations | |
| M31-2014-DS1, M31-DS1 | |
| Database references | |
| SIMBAD | data |
M31-2014-DS1 is a failed supernova candidate located in the Andromeda Galaxy (M31). It is a massive star observed to have undergone a "silent" collapse directly into a black hole without a characteristic supernova explosion. The event, characterized by a brief infrared brightening followed by the total disappearance of the progenitor star in optical wavelengths, provides observational evidence for the failed supernova theory of stellar evolution.[2]
The progenitor star was identified in archival data as a luminous red supergiant with an initial mass estimated at approximately 13 M☉.[2] In 2014, the object underwent a significant mid-infrared outburst, increasing in luminosity as detected by the Spitzer Space Telescope and the Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (WISE).
Following this peak, the star began a steady decline in brightness. By 2023, deep imaging from the W. M. Keck Observatory and the Hubble Space Telescope confirmed that the star was no longer visible. Unlike a standard Type II supernova, no luminous optical transient was detected during the collapse.[2]
Physical mechanism
The disappearance of M31-2014-DS1 is attributed to the collapse of the stellar core after the exhaustion of nuclear fuel. In typical stars of this mass range, the collapse triggers a shockwave that expels the outer layers. However, in the case of M31-2014-DS1, the shock failed to overcome the material falling inward.[2]
Neutrino emission
Theoretical models of the collapse suggest a brief, intense burst of neutrinos occurred at the moment of event horizon formation. The abrupt cessation of the neutrino signal marks the exact point of black hole birth.[3]
Dust shell and remnant
The infrared signature observed in 2014-2016 is believed to be caused by a small fraction of the stellar envelope (~1 M☉) being ejected at low velocities, subsequently cooling and forming a shroud of dust.[2] The remaining mass collapsed into a stellar-mass black hole.
Scientific significance
The discovery addresses the "missing supernova" problem, where the number of observed supernovae is lower than predicted by the star formation rate. M31-2014-DS1 suggests that a significant fraction of massive stars may end their lives as failed supernovae rather than in bright explosions.[2]
Recent studies have also used this event to calibrate neutrino detectors like Super-Kamiokande, as the energy profile of the neutrinos provides data on the mass of the progenitor and the state of matter during collapse.[3]
