Could It Be a Rare Type of Explosion?
Scientists are debating what kind of explosion created Teleios. Many believe it was a Type Ia supernova, which occurs when a white dwarf pulls in matter from a neighboring star and erupts. Others suggest a rarer Type Iax supernova may be responsible. This second type is less violent and can leave part of the original star intact. The specific shape of this near-perfectly circular object might point to a slower, more even kind of detonation. Understanding the type of explosion is key to learning how this strange sphere formed so cleanly and why it differs from known supernova remnants.