Gamma-ray bursts are the most intense explosions in the universe and are typically caused by the collapse of stars or the collision of compact stellar remnants. However, a recent discovery has challenged this understanding, as it does not fit into either of these categories. Astronomers from the Nie
Artist’s conception of a gamma-ray burst caused by the violent collision of two massive neutron stars, following their inspiraling danse macabre. In addition to high-energy radiation and matter spewed out in a narrow jet, the event is thought to be the Universe’s main factory of heavy elements, including gold and platinum. Credit: A. Simonnet and Goddard Space Flight Center
Gamma-ray bursts are brief and ultra-bright flashes of the most energetic form of light, gamma rays. Mostly detected in the very distant Universe, they generally come in two categories which are thought to arise from two different physical scenarios: “Short” bursts are even more fleeting, with typical durations of 1/10 to 1 second. They are often seen offset from the galactic centers, or even outside galaxies. The prevailing theory is that they are the outcome of two massive stars orbiting each other in a “binary” system. At some point, they explode as supernovae, kicking them out of their host galaxy. Eventually, however, the two objects will spiral in and merge, resulting in a gamma-ray burst.
, to begin an intensive campaign to study this surprising object. These efforts led to the completely unexpected discovery of a so-called kilonova, the smoking-gun proof of the collision of two neutron stars, or a neutron star and a black hole. When the astronomers nevertheless are confident in their interpretation, it is due to several circumstances. Johan Fynbo, professor at the Cosmic Dawn Center and partaker in the study, explains:
If the interpretation turns out to be correct, it not only opens up for an exciting new mechanism for kilonovae to form heavy elements. It is also a strong motivation for looking for new kilonovae at the position of long bursts.
México Últimas Noticias, México Titulares
Similar News:También puedes leer noticias similares a ésta que hemos recopilado de otras fuentes de noticias.
Astronomers Find the Most Distant Stars in Milky Way’s Halo – Over 1,000,000 Light Years AwayA search for variable stars called RR Lyrae has found some of the most distant stars in the Milky Way’s halo a million light years away. Astronomers have discovered more than 200 distant variable stars known as RR Lyrae stars in the Milky Way’s stellar halo. The most distant of these stars are mo
Leer más »
Astronomers found a rare star that was eclipsed for 7 yearsAstronomers detected a rare star eclipse, where one star was masked by dust from its companion in a binary system.
Leer más »
Astronomers just detected the furthest atomic hydrogen signal everIt is the most distant atomic hydrogen signal detected 'by a large margin' and it could teach us a great deal about star formation.
Leer más »
Extraordinary Discovery May Substantially Change Our Understanding of the Mechanism of PhotosynthesisLight-Driven CO2 Assimilation by Photosystem II and Its Relation to Photosynthesis Photosynthesis is the greatest natural process converting sunlight into chemical energy on a massive scale and maintaining life on Earth. There are basically two successive stages of oxygenic photosynthesis, of which
Leer más »
Supreme Court's decision on felony suffrage hinges on understanding of state amendment processWhether U.S. Supreme Court justices understand how Mississippi’s Constitution is amended could determine if they hear a felony suffrage case.
Leer más »