Vanished star may be first known failed supernova

Despite no signs of massive explosion, black hole now marks stellar grave

galaxy NGC 6946

FIZZLED SIZZLE  A star that vanished in galaxy NGC 6946 (pictured) might be the first confirmed case of a failed attempt at a supernova.

Gemini Observatory/AURA

A star that mysteriously disappeared might be the first confirmed case of a failed supernova, a star that tried to explode but couldn’t finish the job.