SN 2016aps (also known asPS16aqy andAT2016aps) is thebrightest and most energeticsupernova explosion ever recorded.[3][4] It released more energy thanASASSN-15lh.[5] In addition to the sheer amount of energy released, an unusually large amount of the energy was released in the form of radiation, probably due to the interaction of the supernova ejecta and a previously lost gas shell.[6]
The progenitor star is estimated to have had at least 50 to 100solar masses. Thespectrum of SN 2016aps revealed significant amounts ofhydrogen, which is unexpected for supernovae of this type, which usually occur afternuclear fusion has consumed most of the star's hydrogen and the stars have shed the remaining hydrogen atmosphere. This led researchers to the theory that the progenitor star formed only shortly before the event from the merger of two very large stars, creating a "pulsational pair instability" supernova or possibly a fullpair instability supernova.[11][8][12]
^abcChornock, R.; et al. (March 2016). "Spectroscopic classification of two superluminous supernovae".The Astronomer's Telegram.8790: 1.Bibcode:2016ATel.8790....1C.
