M31-2014-DS1

M31-2014-DS1

Observation data Epoch J2000.0      Equinox J2000.0
Constellation	Andromeda
Right ascension	00h 45m 13.47509s
Declination	+41° 32′ 33.1467″
Apparent magnitude (V)	~22 (pre-2014)
Characteristics
Evolutionary stage	Yellow supergiant (progenitor)
Variable type	Failed supernova (candidate)
Astrometry
Proper motion (μ)	RA: −0.171 mas/yr Dec.: −0.106 mas/yr
Parallax (π)	0.0948±0.2315 mas
Distance	2.5M ly (770k pc)
Details
Progenitor
Luminosity	93,325 L☉
Temperature	4,500 K
Other designations
M31-2014-DS1, M31-DS1
Database references
SIMBAD	data

M31-2014-DS1 is a failed supernova candidate located in the Andromeda Galaxy (M31). It is a massive star observed to have undergone a "silent" collapse directly into a black hole without a characteristic supernova explosion. The event, characterized by a brief infrared brightening followed by the total disappearance of the progenitor star in optical wavelengths, provides observational evidence for the failed supernova theory of stellar evolution.

Observation history

The progenitor star was identified in archival data as a luminous red supergiant with an initial mass estimated at approximately 13 M_☉. In 2014, the object underwent a significant mid-infrared outburst, increasing in luminosity as detected by the Spitzer Space Telescope and the Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (WISE).

Following this peak, the star began a steady decline in brightness. By 2023, deep imaging from the W. M. Keck Observatory and the Hubble Space Telescope confirmed that the star was no longer visible. Unlike a standard Type II supernova, no luminous optical transient was detected during the collapse.

Physical mechanism

The disappearance of M31-2014-DS1 is attributed to the collapse of the stellar core after the exhaustion of nuclear fuel. In typical stars of this mass range, the collapse triggers a shockwave that expels the outer layers. However, in the case of M31-2014-DS1, the shock failed to overcome the material falling inward.

Neutrino emission

Theoretical models of the collapse suggest a brief, intense burst of neutrinos occurred at the moment of event horizon formation. The abrupt cessation of the neutrino signal marks the exact point of black hole birth.

Dust shell and remnant

The infrared signature observed in 2014-2016 is believed to be caused by a small fraction of the stellar envelope (~1 M_☉) being ejected at low velocities, subsequently cooling and forming a shroud of dust. The remaining mass collapsed into a stellar-mass black hole.

Scientific significance

The discovery addresses the "missing supernova" problem, where the number of observed supernovae is lower than predicted by the star formation rate. M31-2014-DS1 suggests that a significant fraction of massive stars may end their lives as failed supernovae rather than in bright explosions.

Recent studies have also used this event to calibrate neutrino detectors like Super-Kamiokande, as the energy profile of the neutrinos provides data on the mass of the progenitor and the state of matter during collapse.

Alternative explanations

Several researchers have proposed alternative models to explain the star's infrared behavior and subsequent disappearance in optical wavelengths.

Stellar merger

Some models suggest the 2014 infrared outburst was not a precursor to the collapse, but rather a luminous red nova event caused by the merger of two stars. In this scenario, the "disappearance" is actually the merged remnant being temporarily shrouded by a thick, expanding shell of ejected material.

Extreme obscuration

Observations in early 2026 using the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) have detected a persistent, albeit faint, mid-infrared source at the progenitor's coordinates. This has led some astronomers to argue that the star has not vanished, but has instead entered a phase of extreme mass loss, creating a dust cocoon thick enough to block all visible light.

Unsteady mass loss

A 2026 preprint suggests the event could be an unusually long-duration eruption of a luminous blue variable star, which can mimic the appearance of a "disappearing" star before eventually re-emerging decades later.

See also

• Gravitational collapse
• N6946-BH1 - another failed supernova candidate
• Stellar evolution