What happens when neutron stars collide? Astronomers may finally know
When neutron stars collide, heavy elements like gold can be forged in the extremely violent aftermath. But what else can 3D simulations of the event show us?
Science journalist specialising in science, space, physics, astronomy, astrophysics, cosmology, quantum mechanics, and technology. Published in Newsweek, Physics World, New Scientist, Astronomy Magazine, Space dot com, All About Space, and ZME Science. Science communication articles for Elsevier and the European Journal of Physics.
When neutron stars collide, heavy elements like gold can be forged in the extremely violent aftermath. But what else can 3D simulations of the event show us?
Distant quasar sheds light on the reionization of the cosmos
The very fabric of the universe is ringing with gravitational waves from its earliest epoch, and researchers have finally "heard" this cosmic symphony.
Observing time distortions could show whether Einstein's theory of general relativity accounts for the mysteries of dark matter and dark energy.
The discovery of the giant planet Halla suggests that planets close to their stars can survive the rapid expansion seen as they enter their end-of-life red giant phase.
Stop me if you’ve heard this one. Werner Heisenberg is driving down the road when he gets pulled over by a traffic cop. “Excuse me, sir,” the cop says. “Do you know how fast you were going?”“No,” Heisenberg replies. “But, I know exactly where I am.”
Scientists may have solved a 60-year-old mystery by discovering that quasars - energetic objects that are powered by ravenous supermassive black holes and can outshine trillions of stars combined - form when galaxies collide and merge. The findings indicate that the Milky Way could host a quasar of its own when it collides with the neighboring Andromeda galaxy several billion years from now.
Astronomers have completed a comprehensive examination of large asteroids that zoom near our planet, determining that Earth probably won't be struck by such an object for at least 1,000 years.
Glimpsed only occasionally at the hearts of massive clusters of galaxies, ultramassive black holes are some of the largest and most elusive objects in the universe. These black hole behemoths have masses exceeding that of 10 billion suns, making them far more monstrous than even the supermassive black holes found at the centers of galaxies like the Milky Way, and their tremendous size has long perplexed astronomers.
These tiny black holes might finally be found thanks to their interactions with another of the universe’s most exotic objects: neutron stars.