Adrian Patel Technology Editor

Why some stars erupt but refuse to explode

Supernova impostors are characterized by flaring thousands of times brighter than their baseline luminosity before dimming, while the star itself survives the event. This is the behavior of these massive stars that erupt violently but refuse to go supernova. Astronomers describe this process as eruptive mass loss, where stars blast out huge amounts of material into space. However, existing stellar evolution models frequently sputter out when attempting to simulate these events.

For decades, stellar evolution models have tried to predict how stars live and die. But for the most massive stars, these models often sputter out, unable to complete their simulated life cycles. The culprit? The same eruptive mass loss that makes these stars so dramatic. Models include a way to describe this process—light pressure pushing material off the star, exceeding its stable luminosity limit, or super-Eddington conditions. But the key to making this work is a free-floating efficiency parameter, a value that controls the strength of the outburst. Until recently, nobody knew where to set it.

Without this parameter, simulations can’t match the observed behavior of stars like Eta Carinae, which in 1843 underwent a massive outburst that made it one of the brightest stars in the southern sky—without actually exploding. This unconstrained efficiency parameter has been a crucial factor in understanding how these cosmic giants evolve, as it dictates the scale of the material ejected during these violent phases.

The dial that controls stellar temper tantrums

The efficiency parameter is a free-floating value that astronomers have sought to constrain. It determines how much material a star ejects during an eruption. But measuring this parameter directly is difficult. Current methods, like infrared or radio observations, only capture what’s happening right now—not the fits and starts of individual star behavior. When astronomers try to average these observations across entire stellar populations, they lose the details of how each star behaves.

In 2024, a team led by Shelley J. Cheng at the Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian tackled this problem head-on. Instead of trying to measure every eruption from a single star, they took a census of red supergiants across the Local Group—massive stars in their later stages, swollen and ruddy, shining bright across nearby galaxies. By comparing model luminosity functions to observations of these stars in the Small Magellanic Cloud, Large Magellanic Cloud, and Andromeda, they calibrated the efficiency parameter for different metallicities.

Their findings were clear: the strength of eruptive mass loss increases with metallicity. For the Small Magellanic Cloud, the parameter was set between 0.0 and 0.05; for the Large Magellanic Cloud, it was 0.1; and for Andromeda, it was 0.35. This linear trend implies that the efficiency of mass loss is directly tied to the chemical composition of the star’s environment.

With this calibrated parameter, models can now better simulate the life cycles of massive stars. But the challenge remains: understanding the underlying physical mechanisms that drive these eruptions. The models are getting closer, but the titanic temper tantrums of supernova impostors still hold many secrets.

What happens when models fail to simulate eruptions

The failure of stellar evolution models to simulate eruptive mass loss accurately has significant implications. For one, it affects our understanding of how massive stars end their lives. Without the right efficiency parameter, models can’t predict whether a star will explode as a supernova or survive as an impostor. This uncertainty ripples through our knowledge of compact remnants, gravitational-wave sources, and even the spectral energy distributions of galaxies.

Consider the case of NGC 3184, also known as The Little Pinwheel Galaxy. In 2010, astronomers observed a supernova impostor in this galaxy, designated SN 2010dn. This event was a classic example of a massive star undergoing a violent eruption without actually exploding. Yet, without the right efficiency parameter, models struggle to replicate such behavior.

Current observations, like those from the Hubble Space Telescope and other infrared and radio telescopes, provide snapshots of these eruptions. But these snapshots are incomplete. They don’t capture the full range of a star’s behavior, which can vary dramatically over time. Consequently, researchers continue to struggle to accurately model these eruptions based on current observations.

This struggle isn’t just a technical hiccup. It’s a fundamental challenge to our understanding of stellar evolution. Without accurate models, astronomers can’t predict which stars will go supernova, which will survive as impostors, and how these events shape the galaxies around them.

What the future holds for stellar modeling

The recent calibration of the efficiency parameter is a step forward, but it’s not the final answer. Astronomers are still working to refine their models, incorporating new data and better physical descriptions of eruptive mass loss. The goal is to create simulations that can accurately predict the life cycles of massive stars, from their birth to their explosive or non-explosive deaths.

For now, the story of supernova impostors remains a tale of cosmic drama and scientific mystery. These stars, with their violent eruptions and stubborn survival, challenge our models and push astronomers to think harder about the physics of stellar evolution. The efficiency parameter may be the key that controls the strength of these eruptions, but the full picture is still unfolding.

Researchers have noted that the struggle to align observation with simulation is often where the most exciting discoveries lie. In this case, the discoveries may well rewrite our understanding of how the most massive stars in the universe live—and die.

For now, the mystery endures—a reminder that even in the age of advanced simulations and powerful telescopes, the universe still has surprises in store.

Therabody offers various incentives for May 2026, providing different discount levels based on how users choose to sign up for communications. For those entering the ecosystem, the immediate value proposition is split between two primary acquisition channels: email and SMS. While both provide a gateway to lower costs, the delta between them is measurable.

Signing up for email notifications triggers a discount code for 10% off. However, providing a phone number for text alerts unlocks a unique code for 15% off the next order. This 5% difference in the discount rate becomes more noticeable when applied to the brand’s high-end recovery hardware. For a premium device, this higher discount percentage can lead to a lower final checkout price compared to the email offer.

Timing is the second critical variable. The email-based promo codes carry a strict expiration window, lapsing 30 days after the code is received. This puts a time limit on the offer, requiring users to use the code within 30 days of receipt to successfully complete their purchase.

Maximizing value through the Mother’s Day and seasonal windows

Beyond the static signup incentives, Therabody utilizes event-driven discounting to move specific inventory. The current Mother’s Day sale is the most aggressive active promotion, offering devices at up to 35% off. This particular window targets high-volume bestsellers, specifically the Theragun Mini and the TheraFace Mask Glo.

The brand also maintains a rotation of sale offers. According to reporting from Wired, these rotating events have recently reached up to 50% off sitewide, though such deep cuts are not the current baseline. For users who missed the primary winter window, some holiday-specific offers are still active. These include fixed-dollar reductions rather than percentages, such as $120 off the Theragun Sense, $90 off the Theraface PRO, and $80 off the Theragun Prime (6th gen).

For those looking to avoid shipping costs on new arrivals—including the Theragun Prime and Theragun Mini Plus—the company is currently offering free shipping sitewide.

Analyzing the Pro versus Mini product tiers

The Therabody catalog is bifurcated between professional-grade recovery tools and portable, consumer-focused devices. This distinction is critical for those attempting to optimize their investment. The “Pro” tier, such as the Theragun Pro or TheraFace Pro, represents the ceiling of the brand’s technical capabilities but comes with a higher entry price that makes the 15% SMS discount more impactful.

Conversely, the “Mini” line is designed for portability and a lower price point. For users with a strict budget, there is a curated assortment of wallet-friendly products priced under $300. These entry-level devices allow users to experience percussion therapy without the capital outlay required for the Pro series.

The value proposition of the TheraFace line, particularly the Mask Glo, is further enhanced during the Mother’s Day window, where the 35% discount brings these LED skincare tools closer to the price point of the percussion devices. This makes the TheraFace line more accessible to a wider range of users interested in combining skin health with their existing recovery routines.

Strategic steps for code delivery and activation

Securing these discounts requires a specific sequence of actions to ensure the codes are delivered and applied correctly. Because the 15% SMS code is unique to the individual user, it is generated specifically through the brand’s official signup channel.

First, navigate to the signup portal and input email information to secure the baseline 10% code. Second, provide a mobile number to trigger the 15% SMS unique code. Users should choose the 15% code at checkout to ensure they receive the highest available discount from the signup offers.

It is important to note that promo codes for existing customers are described as rare to come by, meaning the primary path to savings remains the initial signup or the participation in seasonal events like the Mother’s Day sale.

What to watch in the recovery tech market

As the May 2026 window progresses, the primary focus for consumers should be the transition from the Mother’s Day promotional cycle into the summer period. While the 35% discounts on bestsellers are currently the most effective way to lower costs, the “rotating” nature of Therabody’s sales means that sitewide percentages may shift.

Users should monitor the availability of the fixed-dollar holiday discounts, as these offers are typically limited and may no longer be available for certain models, such as the 6th gen Theragun Prime. For those seeking the absolute lowest entry point, focusing on the sub-$300 product category remains the most reliable strategy for budget-conscious acquisition.

The sensory experience of a Home Depot store is a legacy of the 1978 hardware superstore model: the smell of wood dust, paint, and oiled metal. It is a physical environment defined by sawdust-filled aisles and massive rolls of wire. However, the way customers find products has evolved. The digital interface allows users to find items more easily than in a physical store, offering a way to locate products and apply discounts through the website and mobile application.

For the modern consumer, the process involves utilizing various available online offers to reduce the total cost of a project. According to reporting by Wired, the current promotional landscape ranges from modest 10 percent coupons to significant reductions of up to $100 off.

Optimizing the digital acquisition path

Securing the lowest price at Home Depot involves utilizing available digital offers and registration tools. The company utilizes targeted newsletters and text alerts to drive user registration and immediate conversion. For those focusing on interior updates, registering for the Style and Decor newsletter provides a specific code for 10 percent off furniture and home accents.

A more immediate, albeit smaller, incentive exists for those who opt into the general coupon newsletter or text alerts. These users can receive an immediate $5 off their next in-store purchase, provided the total is $50 or more. This use of a digital sign-up to encourage physical store visits is a recurring element of the retailer’s promotional approach.

Beyond one-time codes, the shift toward a recurring revenue model is evident in the subscription options for go-to products. By setting up a subscription, users automatically receive 5 percent off and free delivery on their orders. This removes the friction of manual searching and locks in a consistent discount for high-frequency consumables.

Pro-tier incentives and category price drops

The most aggressive discounts are often reserved for the Pro segment, reflecting a strategic focus on high-volume contractors and professional builders. For instance, Pro members can utilize the promo code SAMPLESAVE10 to secure 10 percent off flooring. These specialized incentives are designed to lower the overhead for large-scale projects, such as building a deck.

The broader promotional landscape for May 2026 shows a heavy emphasis on power equipment and seasonal maintenance. Power tools and hand tools are seeing discounts of up to half off this season. This includes lawn and outdoor power equipment intended for general pesky snow removal and home upkeep. The discounts extend to high-ticket items like smokers, including the Traieger Woodridge, and various grills and garden tools, which are also discounted by up to half off.

Brand-specific partnerships further drive the digital strategy. Users can find 20 percent off Electrolux handheld electronics, such as garment steamers, using the code ELECTROLUX20. Additionally, the company is offering buy one get one free deals from established names including DEWALT, RYOBI, and Milwaukee, often tied to battery kit purchases.

The appliance and bathroom discount scale

While small-scale promo codes provide immediate gratification, the most significant capital savings are found in the appliance and bathroom categories. The current promotional cycle includes appliance deals reaching up to $1,400 off, with washer and dryer sets seeing reductions of up to $1,000.

The bathroom category follows a tiered discount structure based on the specific fixture.

• Vanities: up to 40 percent off
• Bathtubs: 25 percent off
• Toilets: 20 percent off
• Showers: 15 percent off

These category-specific drops are often supplemented by Deal of the Day coupons, which can offer 35 percent off washers and dryers or 15 percent off storage solutions. Because these deals rotate, the timing of the purchase is as critical as the code itself.

Navigating redemption logic

The transition from the 1978 store model to the 2026 digital interface has changed how discounts are redeemed. Many of the highest-value offers—those reaching up to half off—are specifically tied to online purchases. This allows the retailer to offer specific pricing structures that are integrated directly into the e-commerce checkout process.

It is important to note that because these offers are part of a roundup of active promotions, the success of any specific code is not guaranteed. The effectiveness of a code often depends on the user’s account status—such as whether they are a first-time registrant or a verified Pro member—and the specific category of the item in the cart.

As the season progresses from the first day of spring, the available promotions typically align with seasonal needs. Users should monitor the Deal of the Day section and maintain active subscriptions to newsletters to ensure they catch shifts in available discounts and product categories in real-time.