Scientists propose that some dead stars made of the densest material in the known universe, so-called ‘neutron stars’, could act as traps for dark matter particles to collide at high speed and destroy each other. The crew says the destruction process likely heats the dead stars from within. In general, dark matter is a problematic … Read more
When distant stars explode, they emit bursts of energy called gamma-ray bursts that are so bright that telescopes on Earth can detect them. Studying these pulses, which can also come from mergers of some exotic astronomical objects such as black holes and neutron stars, can help astronomers like me understand the history of the universe. … Read more
Researchers have synthesized five new isotopes that could help bring the stars to Earth – and bring scientists one step closer to understanding how collisions between ultra-dense, dead stars can create heavy elements like gold and silver. The isotopes are Thulium-182, thulium-183, ytterbium-186, ytterbium-187 and lutetium-190; this is the first time they have ever been … Read more
Scientists have analyzed an unusually long explosion of high-energy radiation known as a gamma-ray burst (GRB) and determined that it came from the collision of two ultra-dense neutron stars. More importantly, this result helped the team observe a flash of light arising from the same event, confirming that these mergers are the locations that create … Read more
Scientists have discovered the first indications that nuclear fission is taking place between stars. The discovery supports the idea that when neutron stars collide, they create ‘superheavy’ elements – heavier than the heaviest elements on the periodic table – which are then broken down via nuclear fission to birth elements such as the gold in … Read more
An illuminated sphere flies through black space, with wide rings shooting up and down from the surface. it is followed by a smooth, gaseous streak of orangey yellow. New research has shown that different types of neutron stars, born when massive stars die, behave in a similar way. This may sound like a small result, … Read more