Instead, it may represent a rare new class of powerful cosmic explosion—a jetted tidal disruption event, which occurs when a supermassive black hole tears apart a star. "NICER's ability to steer ...

While a jetted tidal disruption event is plausible, the researchers say the lack of radio emissions from this jet is puzzling. O'Connor surmises, "EP240408a ticks some of the boxes for several ...