Chandra and XMM-Newton are ultra-powerful X-ray observatories operated by NASA and ESA (the US and European space agencies) that have captured the terrifying moment of ASASSN-14li, the unfortunate victim of a supermassive black hole, as reported by Live Science.
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“Portrait” of the “Mysterious Blaze” ASASSN-14li – Photo: NASA / Chandra X-ray Observatory / University of Michigan / Miller et al. / M. Weiss
Previously, ASASSN-14li burst into the scene like a malevolent flame in 2014, documented by Ohio State University’s ASASSN project, which engaged 20 robotic telescopes.
At that time, scientists were perplexed about its true nature, but now, the answer has been unveiled.
“We are seeing the guts of what was once a star. The remnants left behind are clues that we can follow to determine what kind of star it was that died,” said Dr. Jon Miller from the University of Michigan, head of the ASASSN-14li research team.
This event is precious in two ways: firstly, scientists have had the opportunity to witness nearly firsthand one of the most serious star-shredding black hole events, and secondly, the type of star that fell victim this time is exceedingly rare.
It also marks the most lavish “feast” of a black hole ever recorded.
Moreover, the fragments of the ill-fated star that scientists have observed aren’t materials ejected as usually seen.
The ultra-powerful observatories tactfully captured the “core” of the trapped star within the black hole. Essentially, they gazed into the inner workings of the black hole.
The immense power of the black hole and the staggering energy of the star combined to create a terrifying explosion, making it more opportune for observation.
This is also the closest star-shredding black hole event to Earth within a decade that has been captured, residing in a galaxy 290 million light-years away, according to Sci-News.