Astronomers capture first close-up image of dying star WOH G64 outside Milky Way

Astronomers at the European Southern Observatory have captured the first close-up image of a star outside the Milky Way, WOH G64. This red supergiant, located 160,000 light-years away, is nearing its explosive end as a supernova. The new image reveals a dusty cocoon surrounding WOH G64, formed after the star returned to a quiet state in 2014. Researchers believe this material may be influenced by a companion star, which could be pulling in gas and dust. The image was taken using advanced technology that combines light from multiple telescopes. It shows significant dimming of WOH G64 over the past decade, indicating its impending demise.