The Digester
science

Gravitational-wave data show evidence for pair-instability supernovas

A study of 153 black hole mergers finds a mass gap from about 44 to 116 solar masses, consistent with theorized pair-instability supernovas in the most massive stars that completely destroy themselves and leave no black hole.

Apr 3rd 2026 · United States

Insights

  • Researchers analyzed gravitational-wave data from 153 merging black hole pairs.
  • There is a clear absence of black holes between about 44 and 116 times the mass of the sun.
  • That mass gap matches predictions that stars of roughly 140 to 260 solar masses explode as pair-instability supernovas and leave no remnant.
  • The result provides indirect but strong evidence for rare, extremely luminous pair-instability supernovas.

Sources