When Neutron Stars Collide, the Explosion is Perfectly Spherical - by BrianKoberlein
The team looked at data from the gravitational wave event GW170817. The event was also seen at optical wavelengths as AT2017gfo. From the gravitational wave data, we know the two neutron stars were orbiting each other about 100 times a second just before they collided, meaning that the explosion should have expanded as a somewhat flattened disk. But when the team measured the motion of the expanding shell, they found a spherical shell of lighter elements.
There is a secondary benefit to this discovery, and it has to do with dark energy and cosmic expansion. Various measurements of cosmic expansion have found rates that slightly disagree with each other. This “tension” in our measurements means there is a subtle problem with our cosmological model. To resolve this issue astronomers have sought out new ways to measure cosmic expansion. Thanks to this work, astronomers could use kilonovae as a standard candle to measure cosmic expansion.
There is still much we don’t understand about kilonova, but thanks to this research we have new ways to understand them and the universe as a whole.
Norge Siste Nytt, Norge Overskrifter
Similar News:Du kan også lese nyheter som ligner på denne som vi har samlet inn fra andre nyhetskilder.
Surprise! Colliding neutron stars create perfectly spherical 'kilonova' explosionsMassive cosmic explosions created when neutron stars collide aren't as chaotic as you might expect.
Les mer »
Neutron stars collided and made a near-perfect sphere that has scientists baffledScientists studying a neutron star collision from 2017 have discovered something intriguing that has left many scratching their heads.
Les mer »
The Hubble Space Telescope spots three galaxies about to collideThe three galaxies in the constellation Boötes are on a collision course and will eventually merge into a single huge bright galaxy.
Les mer »
Nikki Reed shares rare pregnancy pic hugging Rumer Willis: ‘When bumps collide’The “Twilight” actress has kept her belly out of the spotlight since she and Ian Somerhalder announced in January that baby No. 2 is on the way.
Les mer »
Dysfunctional St. John’s falls to Creighton as two stars don’t playAndre Curbelo, sat again Saturday, due to a coach’s decision, and Rafael Pinzon, was suspended indefinitely before St. John’s 77-67 loss to Creighton.
Les mer »
Last-place Jackets beat struggling West-leading Stars 4-1Adam Boqvist broke a tie early in the third period and the last-place Columbus Blue Jackets beat the struggling Dallas Stars 4-1.
Les mer »