Astronomers have confirmed that ASASSN-24fw dimmed by an extraordinary 97% over a period of more than nine months, starting in late 2024 making it one of the longest and deepest stellar eclipses ever recorded. The star, located in the Monoceros constellation, was monitored through sky surveys that track brightness changes in stars over time. The data clearly shows a prolonged and structured drop in light, far beyond what a normal planet could cause. Scientists say the most likely explanation is a massive ringed object passing in front of the star either a brown dwarf or a super Jupiter–type planet. Unlike typical transits that last hours or days, this event stretched across months, pointing to something enormous in size. The ring system itself is estimated to span about 16 million miles (25 million km), making it one of the largest ever inferred. As different parts of the rings moved across the star, they created layered dimming patterns, which allowed astronomers to study the...
Gunman at Rhode Island Ice Rink Kills Wife and Children Before Turning Gun on Himself — Six Victims Confirmed
A tragic shooting unfolded Monday afternoon at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, during a high school hockey game, leaving multiple family members dead and others critically injured in what authorities are describing as a domestic violence incident.
Law enforcement officials say the gunman shot and killed his wife at the crowded ice rink before shooting two of his children, one of whom later died. The assailant then died of an apparent self‑inflicted gunshot wound at the scene, authorities confirmed. Several additional victims were struck and are currently hospitalized in critical condition.
The incident occurred around 2:30 p.m. local time during a youth hockey game between local high school teams, prompting immediate chaos as players, families, and spectators scrambled for safety. Police say they believe the shooting was targeted and related to a family dispute rather than a random act of violence.
Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves said investigators are still working to confirm the exact relationships between the shooter and the deceased victims, but all indications point to a deliberate attack on family members before the shooter took his own life. The authorities have declined to release names or specific ages of the victims until next of kin have been notified.
Three other individuals who were in the arena at the time also sustained gunshot wounds and were rushed to local hospitals in critical condition. Law enforcement and medical personnel continue to monitor their progress and have not yet released updates on their conditions.
Officials have emphasized that the shooter was the only suspect, and there is no ongoing threat to the public. The FBI’s Boston field office and state law enforcement agencies joined local police in the investigation, assisting with forensic work, witness interviews, and securing the scene.
The shooting has left the community in shock. Parents, athletes, and youth hockey fans who were present described scenes of panic and confusion as the first shots rang out, causing people to flee toward exits or take cover on the ice. Emergency responders arrived within minutes to secure the area and provide medical aid.
Pawtucket Mayor Don Grebien said city leaders are working to support affected families and ensure counseling and other resources are available to students and community members traumatized by what one official described as an “unthinkable tragedy.” Rhode Island Governor Daniel McKee also expressed condolences, noting that state authorities were coordinating with local agencies to address the aftermath.
Investigators say the situation remains under review as they piece together events leading up to the shooting and work to understand the motive behind the attack. Police have urged anyone with photos, videos, or firsthand information to come forward to assist with the ongoing inquiry.
The tragedy has reignited difficult conversations about domestic violence, firearms, and community safety at public events, especially those involving families and children. As law enforcement continues its investigation, the affected families and the broader Pawtucket community are left to grieve and reckon with the devastating loss.

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