(CNN) Astronomers have discovered a new type of supernova, or star explosion, and it provides a new window into the violent life cycle of stars. This third, previously unobserved type is referred to as an electron capture supernova -- and it was orginally described by Nomoto in 1980. The more data they collected, the more the researchers realized this may be the first example of an electron capture supernova. It also matched the other five criteria in Nomoto's theory required for the proposed supernova type. Astronomers will continue the search to see if they can find more examples of electron capture supernovae.

Source: CNN June 28, 2021 16:52 UTC