A recent discovery by astronomers has shed light on the collision of two neutron stars, resulting in the creation of the smallest black hole ever observed. This cosmic event took place 130 million light-years away in the galaxy NGC 4993. The collision not only birthed a black hole but also produced precious metals like gold, silver, and uranium.
The team of researchers, led by scientists from the Cosmic DAWN Center at the Neils Bohr Institute, used a combination of instruments, including the Hubble Space Telescope, to capture this monumental event. By studying this collision, scientists hope to gain insights into the origins of elements heavier than iron, which cannot be formed in the most massive stars.
Neutron stars are incredibly dense, with masses equivalent to 1-2 suns compressed into a diameter of just 12 miles. When two neutron stars orbit each other in a binary system, they eventually collide and merge, creating a powerful blast of light known as a “kilonova.” This kilonova illuminates its surroundings with light as bright as hundreds of millions of suns.
The aftermath of the collision sees the rapid formation of a black hole surrounded by a cloud of plasma that cools over time. This cooling plasma captures free neutrons and electrons, resulting in the creation of heavy elements like gold, silver, and uranium. The process of rapid neutron capture leads to the formation of unstable particles that decay, releasing light and creating a variety of heavy elements.
The team of researchers was able to observe the formation of atoms and measure the temperature of the matter in the aftermath of the collision. By combining observations from telescopes around the world and in space, the researchers were able to track the development of this cosmic explosion in detail.
This groundbreaking discovery not only provides insights into the formation of elements in the universe but also highlights the collaborative nature of modern astronomical research. By working together and pooling resources, scientists are able to unlock the mysteries of the cosmos and further our understanding of the universe.
The team’s findings were published in the journal Astronomy & Astrophysics on October 30. This discovery marks a significant step forward in our understanding of the processes that shape the universe and the origins of the elements that make up our world.
