[C19fan]

The collision of the neutron stars was first detected by gravitational waves observatories. Using that information astronomers took a look at the area with other instruments. The massive energy produced in the collision produces heavy elements, for example, gold.

[ctdonath2]

“discovery that is ushering in a new era of astronomy”

New eras seem ushered in every other week.

[Drew68]

Neutron stars have the mass of two suns compressed into a ball about 12 miles in diameter. Really, some of the most incredible objects in the universe and whose physical properties are mind-boggling.

[Moonman62]

This discovery of two neutron stars colliding to create the same type of waves, in addition to light, allowed astronomers to study gravitational waves in a new way. The signal lasted for 100 seconds, providing them with even more data and insight. It revealed that light and gravitational waves travel at the same speed.

...

This is a big deal. Thanks for the post.

Apparently, this is the first time a gravitational wave source has been seen in visible light.

[jeffc]

I can just imagine the energy building up between the two star as they closed in on each other. Amazing!

[antidemoncrat]

I wonder why the neutron stars did not collapse into black holes.

[Pride in the USA]

Great article!

[Bloody Sam Roberts]

[bunkerhill7]

“spiral death dance”

There’s gold in them thar kills

[mikrofon]

GOLD!

[minnesota_bound]

You think gold is heavy?
Try prying it off a neutron star!

[Zathras]

Imagine when the CNN reporter was asked to write this story?
“Neutron Star?, where is it located in Hollywood?”
“Which gender is Neutron Star? I don’t want to offend someone”
“Neutron Stars colliding....You mean there are two of them with the same name?”

[Nateman]

This really is a BIG DEAL. The event is generating thousands of scientific papers. One of the videos I watched showed some Astronomers grinning over the spectra results. It was a curve unlike anything they have ever seen before. Since a neutron star is essentially a giant atomic nucleus an event like this gets enormous nuclear chunks tossed out into space . Imagine extending the Periodic Chart of Elements way past anything our puny accelerators could ever make.

Another interesting result is the lack of neutrinos detected. The excuse is that the hot jet formed was not pointing our way but given the temperatures involved neutron emission should have been huge, yet nothing was seen here!