title: Why is -1**2 a syntax error in JavaScript?
body: <p>Executing it in the browser console it says <code>SyntaxError: Unexpected token **</code>.
  Trying it in node:</p>
  
  <pre><code>&gt; -1**2
  ...
  ...
  ...
  ...^C
  </code></pre>
  
  <p>I thought this is an arithmetic expression where <code>**</code> is the power operator. There is no such issue with other operators.</p>
  
  <p>Strangely, typing <code>*/</code> on the second line triggers the execution:</p>
  
  <pre><code>&gt; -1**2
  ... */
  -1**2
    ^^
  SyntaxError: Unexpected token **
  </code></pre>
  
  <p>What is happening here?</p>