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JWST Uncovers Hidden Red Supergiants Before Explosions

10/14/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Astronomers using the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) identified the red supergiant progenitor of SN2025pht in NGC 1637, both before and after its June 29, 2025 explosion.
The discovery shows red supergiants often explode but are obscured by thick cosmic dust, explaining why many explosions eluded detection.
JWST's infrared capabilities allowed scientists to see through the dust and confirm these stars explode, opening new avenues for studying massive stars.

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Story summary

Astronomers using the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) identified the red supergiant progenitor of SN2025pht in NGC 1637, both before and after its June 29, 2025 explosion.
The discovery shows red supergiants often explode but are obscured by thick cosmic dust, explaining why many explosions eluded detection.
JWST's infrared capabilities allowed scientists to see through the dust and confirm these stars explode, opening new avenues for studying massive stars.