SUNSET: 
Hubble Spies Supernova in Early Universe
Archival Hubble Space Telescope images taken more than a decade ago have revealed an ancient star in the act of exploding.
Supernovae Swept Out Barnard's Loop in Orion
Astronomers have mapped Orion in 3D to understand the origin of the large arc of Barnard’s Loop — and you can interact with the 3D image!
Cocoons Around Dying Stars Could Explain New Type of Stellar Explosions
A recently discovered type of stellar explosion might fit right in among the spectrum from regular supernovae to massive gamma-ray bursts.
The Flames of Orion and a Supergiant Star's End
Astronomers watch starbirth and stardeath, capturing a unique view of a stellar nursery and witnessing a supergiant's supernova.
Stellar Remnant at the Core of Mysterious Flash Dubbed "The Cow"
Astronomers have identified the origin of a mysterious flash that occurred three years ago.
Supernova Blasts Hollowed Out "Giant Cavity" in Space
Some 10 million years ago, dying stars cleared a giant cavity in space and ultimately inspired a new generation of star formation.
Two New Beasts for an Explosive Zoo
And that makes three: Astronomers are beginning to understand what may be causing a special kind of flare in the distant universe.
Supernovae Light Up in M61 and NGC 3643
Two new supernovae for amateur telescopes are keeping things lively this month.
Astronomers Detect One of the Most Luminous Supernovae Ever
One of the most luminous supernovae ever discovered provides evidence that such extremely bright explosions require exotic sources.
Celestial Event Dubbed "The Cow" Puzzles Astronomers
Astronomers can't agree on what kind of strange stellar death created a brilliant source dubbed "the Cow."
Amateur Astronomer Captures Supernova’s First Light
In 2016 an amateur astronomer was testing his camera — and captured the first flash of a supernova.
Sky-sweeping Telescope Sees First Light
The Zwicky Transient Facility has taken its first image, covering an area equivalent to 247 full Moons in a single shot. This beginning is part of an ongoing sea change in astronomy.
Explore the Night with Bob King
Sky Surprises: New Comet ASASSN1, Nova in Scutum, and Supernova in Pisces!
Between the discovery of the new comet ASASSN1 and two stellar explosions, there's a lot happening in the sky this week. Take your telescope out and see what all the excitement's about.
Potential “Failed Supernova” Black Hole Discovered
Astronomers may have watched a star collapse directly into a black hole — minus the supernova. The failed supernova could help understand how stars die.
The Resurgence of the Brightest Supernova
In 2015 ASASSN-15lh gained fame as the most luminous supernova ever discovered. Almost a year later and against all odds, the supernova has rebrightened.
Long-Ago Supernovae Littered Earth
Roughly 2 million years ago, as the human ancestor homo erectus was descending from the trees, two supernovae exploded nearby and showered Earth with debris.
Brightest Supernova Baffles Astronomers
The most luminous supernova ever discovered, ASASSN-15lh, challenges a popular theory for blazingly bright exploding stars.
The Most Luminous Supernova
Astronomers have discovered an exploding star that belongs to the "superluminous" class, and it's the most luminous one ever found.
GRBs: A New Standard Candle?
Astronomers might be on the brink of developing a new rung on the cosmic distance ladder.