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Radio 'eyes' unlocking secrets of neutron-star collision

The VLA detection and ongoing observations reveal key facts about the event that generated gravitational waves, including the amount of energy released and the environment in which it occurred. Radio waves will continue to provide valuable information for months or even years.

SourceNational Radio Astronomy Observatory·JournalScience·DateOct 16, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Seeing the light of neutron star collisions

Researchers confirm neutron star collision using electromagnetic radiation detected by NASA's Swift Gamma Ray Burst Explorer. The event provided a complete picture of compact object mergers, marking a major breakthrough in astronomy.

SourcePenn State·JournalScience·DateOct 16, 2017

Predictions by GSI scientists now confirmed

Researchers detect electromagnetic waves from neutron star merger, confirming predictions of heavy element production. The event is a milestone in understanding astrophysical processes and requires precise nuclear data to be fully understood.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateOct 16, 2017
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

First observations of merging neutron stars mark a new era in astronomy

Astronomers have made the first-ever observations of a merging neutron star, detecting both gravitational waves and a brilliant explosion of visible light. The discovery has opened a new window into understanding neutron star physics and could resolve a long-standing question about the origins of heavy elements.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalScience·DateOct 16, 2017

Neutron star merger directly observed for the first time

Researchers observe historic detection of neutron star merger in both gravitational waves and the entire spectrum of light, offering insights into a cosmic event. The merger, named GW170817, revealed properties of the dense neutron stars and their collision, providing new opportunities for gravitational testing.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalNature·DateOct 16, 2017
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Discovered! Neutron star collision seen for the first time

The team used the Swope telescope to discover the light produced by the merger and obtained the earliest spectra of the collision. These observations may allow scientists to explain how many of the universe's heavy elements were created.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalScience·DateOct 16, 2017
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Astronomers detect colliding neutron stars for first time

For the first time, scientists have detected the collision of two neutron stars using both gravitational waves and light. The historic discovery ushers in a new era in astronomy with multi-messenger astronomy, confirming theoretical predictions and providing new mysteries to understand.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateOct 16, 2017

Primordial black holes may have helped to forge heavy elements

Tiny primordial black holes could have destroyed neutron stars from the inside out, leading to the ejection of dense neutron-rich material that formed heavy elements like gold and uranium. This process would also explain several long-standing mysteries in the universe, including Fast Radio Bursts and positron emissions.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateAug 4, 2017
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Astrophysicists discovered a star polluted by calcium

Astronomers report the discovery of a binary solar-type star inside the supernova remnant RCW 86, with calcium abundance exceeding the solar one by a factor of six. This finding suggests that the supernova might belong to the rare type of calcium-rich supernovae.

SourceLomonosov Moscow State University·JournalNature Astronomy·DateApr 28, 2017

Mysterious cosmic explosion puzzles astronomers

Astronomers discover enigmatic flash of X-rays from galaxy 10.7 billion light years away, exhibiting properties unlike known gamma-ray bursts or stellar destruction; scientists struggle to understand its origin and potential implications for compact star mergers.

SourceKavli Institute for the Physics and Mathematics of the Universe·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateApr 2, 2017
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Brightest neutron star yet has a multipolar magnetic field

Scientists have identified a neutron star consuming material at an incredible rate, producing x-rays that exceed the Eddington limit by 1,000 times. The star's strong, multipolar magnetic field is believed to be responsible for its extreme properties.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateFeb 21, 2017
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Cosmic whistle packs a surprisingly energetic punch

Fast radio bursts (FRBs) emit non-radio emission, challenging models and suggesting severe consequences for host galaxies. The discovery of FRB 131104's gamma-ray counterpart opens possibilities for detecting long-lived counterparts using X-ray, optical, and radio telescopes.

SourcePenn State·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateNov 10, 2016

Cosmic connection

A team of scientists has discovered that human cells and neutron stars share similar structures, including Terasaki ramps, which are helical shapes connecting stacked sheets. The similarities between these two vastly different systems suggest a universal principle governing the energy of a system.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalPhysical Review C·DateNov 1, 2016

Mapping the exotic matter inside neutron stars

A team of physicists has made a significant breakthrough in understanding the internal composition of neutron stars. They used thermal perturbation theory to determine the thermodynamic properties of dense quark matter under extreme conditions, shedding light on its potential presence inside these stars.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateAug 2, 2016
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Cosmic heavy metals help scientists trace the history of galaxies

Researchers have discovered that cosmic heavy metals, such as gold and platinum, can be used to trace the history of galaxies. The study, published in Nature, suggests that the collision of dense stars in the universe can forge these heavy elements and provide insights into galaxy formation.

SourceThe Kavli Foundation·JournalNature·DateMay 19, 2016

Gold star: Seeking the origin of gold in the universe

Scientists are using computer models to simulate the production of heavy elements in supernovae and neutron-star mergers. The study aims to identify areas where future experiments can reduce uncertainties in nuclear models.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 30, 2016

Tiny, ancient galaxy preserves record of catastrophic event

Astronomers discovered a tiny, ancient galaxy that contains seven stars with heavy elements formed through rapid neutron captures, a process more common in rare cosmic collisions. The findings suggest that the heaviest elements on Earth originated in neutron star mergers.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalNature·DateMar 21, 2016
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

After the discovery: RIT researchers study implications of gravitational waves

RIT researchers are investigating properties of binary black hole mergers and inferring the rate of such mergers based on their implications for the gravitational wave background. They aim to detect a range of signals from unexplained bursts to a background 'hum' from the distant universe.

SourceRochester Institute of Technology·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateFeb 22, 2016

Launch of Astrosat first Indian astronomy satellite

Astrosat observes cosmic objects in visible light, ultraviolet waveband, and X-ray wavebands from very low to high energy. The satellite addresses fundamental scientific problems like testing Einstein's general theory of relativity and studying superdense cold matter.

SourceTata Institute of Fundamental Research·DateSep 28, 2015

Neutron star's echoes give astronomers a new measuring stick

Researchers have developed a new method to estimate distances to X-ray sources using the geometry of light echoes and dust clouds. By analyzing the timing and deflection of X-rays as they pass through interstellar space, astronomers can calculate the distance to Circinus X-1, a binary system located in the plane of the galaxy.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·DateJun 23, 2015
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Dark matter may be massive

The researchers suggest that dark matter may be composed of macroscopic objects, potentially assembled from ordinary and strange quarks or baryons. This idea challenges the current search for tiny exotic particles like WIMPS and axions.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·DateNov 4, 2014

Protons hog the momentum in neutron-rich nuclei

Researchers have found that protons and neutrons in heavy nuclei have higher-average momentum when paired, contrary to previous theories. This phenomenon has implications for ultra-cold atomic gas systems and neutron stars.

SourceDOE/Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility·JournalScience·DateOct 16, 2014
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

White dwarfs crashing into neutron stars explain loneliest supernovae

Researchers at the University of Warwick found that white dwarf stars crashing into neutron stars could be responsible for the loneliest supernovae. The team used observations from the Very Large Telescope and Hubble Space Telescope to rule out other explanations, such as binary systems or massive stars.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateAug 7, 2014

Astronomers discover first Thorne-Zytkow object, a bizarre type of hybrid star

Scientists detect the first Thorne-Żytkow object, a bizarre type of hybrid star formed from red supergiant and neutron stars. The discovery provides evidence for a new model of stellar interiors and offers insights into heavy element production in the universe.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateJun 4, 2014
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Stability lost as supernovae explode

A new model of supernovae represented as dynamical systems subject to a loss of stability sheds light on the phenomenon. This approach could be used to predict natural catastrophes before they happen.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateMay 15, 2014

Neutron star magnetic fields: Not so turbulent, after all?

Researchers found that the magnetic field of a neutron star takes on a stable structure and evolution slows down, challenging previous theoretical models. The discovery could help scientists measure neutron star properties and gain insights into matter at extreme densities.

SourceMcGill University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMay 6, 2014

Simple, like a neutron star

Researchers at SISSA have discovered that neutron stars can be described with just three parameters: mass, angular momentum, and quadrupole moment, independent of the equation of state. This finding has major implications for understanding these complex objects.

SourceInternational School of Advanced Studies (SISSA)·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 25, 2014
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Solving a physics mystery: Those 'solitons' are really vortex rings

UW physicists debunk the 'heavy soliton' mystery by revealing it's actually a quantum equivalent of smoke rings, shedding light on nuclear dynamics and neutron star behavior. The research uses state-of-the-art computing techniques to demonstrate that virtually all aspects of the phenomenon can be explained by vortex rings.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 3, 2014

A blast from its past dates the youngest neutron-star binary

Astronomers have discovered the youngest known neutron-star binary, Circinus X-1, which is approximately 4,600 years old. The team used data from NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory to determine the age of this record-breaking pair, revealing a unique opportunity to study matter under extreme conditions.

SourcePenn State·DateDec 4, 2013

The mystery of neutron stars heats up

Theoretical calculations reveal previously unknown layers where nuclear reactions within the crust cause rapid neutrino cooling, altering our understanding of neutron star hot surfaces. Researchers now face new questions about the star's thermal dynamics and discovery potential of the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalNature·DateDec 1, 2013

Queen's University scientists shed new light on star death

Astronomers at Queen's University Belfast have found that small and dense neutron stars with gigantic magnetic fields power the most luminous supernovae. Contrary to existing theories, these stars' findings suggest a new explanation for the brightest exploding stars in the universe.

SourceQueen's University Belfast·JournalNature·DateOct 16, 2013

Montana scientists discover surprising importance of 'I Love Q' for understanding neutron stars

Researchers at Montana State University have discovered a universal relation among three intrinsic properties of neutron stars: moment of inertia, Love number, and quadrupole moment. This finding enables astrophysicists to infer the shape and degree of deformation without detailed internal structure knowledge, aiding gravitational wave...

SourceMontana State University·JournalScience·DateJul 25, 2013
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Earth's gold came from colliding dead stars

Scientists found gold in a short gamma-ray burst caused by the collision of two neutron stars. The team estimates that up to 10 moon masses of gold were created and ejected during this event.

SourceCenter for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateJul 17, 2013

Cosmic radio bursts point to cataclysmic origins

A team of international researchers discovered four fast radio bursts from cosmological distances, suggesting they originate from extreme events involving relativistic objects. The findings provide a way to study space between galaxies and understand the properties of missing matter in the Universe.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalScience·DateJul 4, 2013

NASA's Swift reveals new phenomenon in a neutron star

Astronomers have observed a spinning neutron star slowing down and spinning at a faster rate, providing clues to understand these dense objects. The discovery has important implications for understanding the extreme physical conditions present within neutron stars.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalNature·DateMay 29, 2013

A new kind of cosmic glitch

Researchers detected a magnetar suddenly rotate slower, dubbed an 'anti-glitch', revealing puzzling behavior in the internal structure of neutron stars. This finding may lead to renewed progress in understanding these exotic objects.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNature·DateMay 29, 2013

Super-dense star is first ever found suddenly slowing its spin

Astronomers detected a neutron star's abrupt slow-down with NASA's Swift observatory, which is an unprecedented event. The discovery of the 'anti-glitch' neutron star named 1E2259+586 has significant implications for understanding pure physics in extreme conditions.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature·DateMay 29, 2013
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Cheating to create the perfect simulation

Researchers at Jena University have developed a new theory to simulate the strong atomic nuclear interactions that govern neutron stars. By intelligently modifying nuclear forces and solving the stacking problem of atoms, they have enabled the calculability of these complex systems.

SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·JournalPhysical Review D·DateJan 17, 2013
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.