Some of the earliest images ever taken in the wake of massive star’s death give astronomers important clues about what triggers a supernova.

When this shock reaches the surface, it releases an enormous burst of energy. The star brightens dramatically, becoming visible as a supernova. For a short period, astronomers can study the initial ...

In a small blow to the search for extraterrestrial life, a nearby star shot out a strong enough coronal mass ejection to ...