Illustration of SN 2021yfj (IMAGE)

Northwestern University

Illustration of SN 2021yfj

Caption

SN 2021yfj is a new kind of supernova, challenging our understanding of stellar evolution. Its progenitor lost its outer shells well before the supernova happened and only consisted of its oxygen/silicon core — unlike any known star in the Milky Way. The dying, stripped-to-the-bone star experienced extreme mass loss episodes that led to the ejecting of material rich in silicon (grey), sulfur (yellow) and argon (purple).

Credit

W.M. Keck Observatory/Adam Makarenko

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