The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has spotted the most distant supernova ever observed. The stellar explosion, dubbed SN in GRB 250314A, occurred when the universe was less than a billion years old. Scientists confirmed the event after a gamma-ray burst signaled its presence.

Astronomers detected the supernova using JWST. The telescope pinpointed the blast, separating it from its faint host galaxy. The explosion remarkably resembles supernovae linked to gamma-ray bursts in the modern universe. The discovery marks a major milestone in studying the early universe.

The finding allows scientists to study the death of massive stars at cosmic dawn. Further analysis of the supernova's light could reveal details about the composition of early stars. The data will help refine models of stellar evolution in the young universe.

Supernovae are crucial for understanding the universe's evolution. They distribute heavy elements formed in stars throughout space. These elements are the building blocks for future generations of stars and planets.

Researchers plan to use JWST to search for more distant supernovae. These observations will provide a deeper understanding of the early universe's star formation history. The team's findings were announced December 28, 2025, by UCD Research Innovation.