Scientists have achieved a groundbreaking milestone by mapping the shape of supernova SN 2024ggi for the first time. This remarkable discovery offers new insights into the explosive death of massive stars. The supernova, located approximately 22 million light-years away in the galaxy NGC 3621 within the constellation Hydra, was first detected on April 10, 2024, by the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS).
Just 26 hours later, astronomers swiftly directed the Very Large Telescope (VLT) in Chile at the event, taking advantage of a brief window that allowed them to observe the initial phase of the supernova’s explosion. This early observation proved crucial, as it revealed details that would have been missed if the event had been studied just a day later. The data collected by the VLT provided an artist’s interpretation of the explosion, showcasing a shape that defies previous expectations.
Understanding the Supernova’s Shape
The supernova explosion occurred as a massive star, with a mass roughly 12 to 15 times that of the sun, reached the end of its life. A delicate balance between the inward pull of gravity and the outward force of nuclear fusion is maintained within stars. When this balance fails, gravity prevails, resulting in a catastrophic collapse. The outer layers of the star implode, leading to a rebound that generates a shock wave, ultimately tearing the star apart.
For scientists, understanding how this shock wave forms and propagates has long been a subject of intense debate. The VLT observations utilized a technique called spectropolarimetry, which analyzes light based on its wavelengths and the direction of light wave vibrations. This method allowed researchers to capture the supernova’s initial “breakout” shape for the first time. The data indicated that the first light from the explosion was not emitted uniformly; rather, it displayed an elongated shape, resembling an olive, indicating that the explosion was not perfectly spherical.
As the blast expanded, its light revealed interactions with the surrounding gas. By around day 10 of the event, the hydrogen-rich outer layers of the star became visible, aligned with the same axis as the initial shock. This consistent orientation suggests a stable underlying mechanism driving the explosion’s shape from the outset.
Implications for Supernova Studies
The study of SN 2024ggi has significant implications for existing models of supernova explosions. It has ruled out certain theories while lending support to others. Researchers now have new details regarding the catastrophic deaths of massive stars, enhancing our understanding of these cosmic phenomena. This groundbreaking research was published on November 12, 2025, in the journal Science Advances.
The findings contribute to a growing body of knowledge about the life cycles of stars and the intricate processes leading to their explosive ends. As astronomers continue to explore the universe, the insights gained from SN 2024ggi open new avenues for research and deepen our understanding of the cosmos.
