The star V838 Monocerotis shocked astronomers in 2002 when it suddenly expanded and started pulsing with light. It wasn’t a typical explosion—it was more like a massive cosmic heartbeat, sending ripples of brightness through space. The cause? No one knows for sure. Some think it was a failed supernova, while others suggest it swallowed a nearby planet. Whatever happened, the light echoes it created gave us some of the most stunning space images ever captured.
Enjoyed this article?
Get daily 10-minute PDFs about astronomy to read before bed!
Sign up for our upcoming micro-learning service where you will learn something new about space and beyond every day while winding down.