Hubble Observes Neutron Star Collision, Creating Smallest Black Hole and Heavy Elements
Summary:
Astronomers, including those using the Hubble Space Telescope, have captured the aftermath of a neutron star collision that resulted in the formation of the smallest black hole ever observed. This event, located 130 million light-years away in galaxy NGC 4993, produced a kilonova explosion, releasing intense light and forming precious metals like gold, silver, and uranium. The research sheds light on the creation of heavy elements and the violent processes of neutron star mergers. Data from telescopes around the world helped provide a detailed view of this cosmic explosion.
Astronomers, using a variety of telescopes, including the Hubble Space Telescope, have observed a neutron star collision that resulted in the creation of the smallest black hole ever seen, as well as the formation of precious metals like gold, silver, and uranium. This extraordinary event took place 130 million light-years away in the galaxy NGC 4993. The observation, which combined data from several instruments, is shedding light on the violent processes behind neutron star mergers. It could help reveal the origins of heavy elements, like gold, that cannot be produced in even the most massive stars.
The collision triggered a powerful explosion known as a “kilonova,” which released an intense burst of light, shining as brightly as hundreds of millions of suns.A research team led by scientists at the Cosmic DAWN Center investigated the kilonova to uncover the mysteries of these cosmic phenomena. For the first time, they were able to observe the creation of atoms and measure the temperature of matter in the explosion’s aftermath.
Neutron stars are the remnants of massive stars that have burned through their nuclear fuel. When two neutron stars merge, they create extreme temperatures and pressures, leading to the formation of heavy elements through a process known as rapid neutron capture (r-process). The collision ejected neutron-rich material, which formed elements like strontium, yttrium, and possibly other heavy elements.
The collaboration of telescopes worldwide, including those in Australia, South Africa, and space-based instruments like Hubble, made it possible to track the event in detail. The study was published in *Astronomy & Astrophysics* on October 30.
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