![An illustration of a black hole created after a supernova](https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/26121618/SEI_177376125.jpg?width=1200)
An illustration of a black hole created after a supernova
Christoph Burgstedt/Science Photo Library/Alamy
We may have witnessed a black hole or neutron star being born from a dying star, according to analysis of an unusual rhythmic supernova.
When a star runs out of the fuel it needs for nuclear fusion, it goes supernova and collapses in on itself, falling onto the core and blasting out material in a bright explosion.
Astronomers have evidence linking extremely massive supernovae to the formation of ultra-dense remnants like neutron stars and black holes, collectively called compact objects…