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Silent Black Hole Formation Discovered in Andromeda Galaxy

2/17/2026

Summary

Story summary

Researchers observed star M31-2014-DS1 in the Andromeda Galaxy, 2.5 million light-years away, quietly forming a black hole without a violent outburst.
The study led by Kishalay De of the Flatiron Institute suggests many black holes form without supernovae.
M31-2014-DS1 began with about 13 solar masses and later lost about 60% of its mass.
The results describe a 'failed supernova' in which gravity dominates, yielding a gentle ejection of outer layers.

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Story summary

Researchers observed star M31-2014-DS1 in the Andromeda Galaxy, 2.5 million light-years away, quietly forming a black hole without a violent outburst.
The study led by Kishalay De of the Flatiron Institute suggests many black holes form without supernovae.
M31-2014-DS1 began with about 13 solar masses and later lost about 60% of its mass.
The results describe a 'failed supernova' in which gravity dominates, yielding a gentle ejection of outer layers.