Einstein Probe detects new type of X-ray flash when stars die

The Einstein Probe, a Chinese Space Telescope has detected a faint and mysterious X-ray flare from the collapse of a star four billion lightyears away. The flare lasted 150 seconds, and has been designated as EP240414a. The detection challenges conventional theories of star deaths, indicating that a hidden population of similar events may be waiting to be discovered. Follow-up observations in X-ray, optical and radio wavelengths confirmed that the X-ray transient was associated with a Type-C supernova designated as SN2024gsa. These observations also revealed a weak relativistic jet of lower velocity and energy than seen in gamma-ray bursts (GRBs). 

Thanks to the exquisite sensitivity of the 'lobster-eyed' instrument, scientists were able to trace the X-ray emissions from the jet during the initial phases of the outburst, and its interaction with the circumstellar material violently shed by the dying star. The discovery bridges the gap between supernovae and powerful GRBs. The location of the supernova in the outskirts of the host galaxy suggests that the X-ray flashes may be associated with the collapse of Wolf-Rayet stars, which are ageing, massive stars that have been stripped of their outer hydrogen layers. 

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A paper describing the findings has been published in Nature Astronomy. Lead author of the paper, He Gao from Beijing Normal University says, "These fast X-ray transients are like cosmic fireworks—bright and fleeting, making them extremely challenging to detect. They resemble ‘gentler versions’ of gamma-ray bursts and might be far more common than we thought. Past missions simply missed them due to limited X-ray monitoring capabilities." This is the first time that the Einstein Probe has detected an X-ray transient associated with a supernova. The Einstein Probe has the capability of detecting faint, short-lived X-ray transients that are beyond the observational reach of other astronomical instruments.