Early observations hint that the Wasp was not caused by a failed supernova. In that theorised scenario, a star would collapse in on itself while in the process of exploding. Inside the star’s shell, a black hole or a dense neutron star would then form, and blast out jets of radiation through the shell, creating what’s called a central engine. This would explain the brief cow flare that was visible on Earth.

As someone who doesn’t know enough about physics or astronomy, I have to say this is pretty well written and really cool.

“…scientists can’t explain.”

This kind of headline is infuriating to me, and I really expect better from a media outlet like the BBC. It betrays a fundamental failure to honestly discuss science as a constant process of learning. Just because don’t have an answer today doesn’t mean it can’t be explained, only that it isn’t currently explained.