Astronomers crack 37-year cosmic ‘murder mystery’

A team of astronomers has finally solved a cosmic ‘murder mystery’ that has puzzled scientists for 37 years. The mystery involved the sudden disappearance of a massive star in the galaxy NGC 6946, also known as the ‘Fireworks Galaxy’.

Using a combination of advanced telescopes and data analysis techniques, the astronomers were able to track the star’s trajectory before it vanished, revealing that it had been consumed by a black hole lurking in the galaxy’s center. This rare event, known as a ‘tidal disruption event’, occurs when a star strays too close to a black hole, causing it to be torn apart by the immense gravitational forces.

The discovery of this cosmic ‘murder mystery’ sheds light on the violent and dynamic nature of the universe, and provides valuable insights into how black holes interact with their surroundings. It also demonstrates the power of modern technology and collaboration in unraveling the secrets of the cosmos.