Collisions

Scientists say aurora, caused by head-on collisions with Earth’s magnetic field, could damage critical infrastructure

by

Credit: Harrison Haines from Pexels Auroras have inspired myths and omens for millennia, but only now, with modern technology that relies on electricity, do we appreciate their true power. The same forces that cause auroras also generate currents that can damage infrastructure that carries electricity, such as pipelines. Now scientists are writing in Frontiers in … Read more

Collisions between neutron stars could temporarily trap a host of cosmic ghosts

by
neutron stars illustration

When it comes to ‘wiping out’ cosmic ghosts, only the most extreme objects in the universe are capable of doing so: neutron stars. Scientists have run simulations of collisions between these ultra-dense and dead stars, showing that such powerful events can briefly “capture” neutrinos, also known as “ghost particles.” The discovery could help scientists better … Read more

New simulations reveal hot neutrinos trapped during collisions with neutron stars

by

This article was reviewed according to Science fact checked peer-reviewed publication trusted source proofread OK! Volume representation of the density in a simulation of a binary neutron star merger. New research shows that neutrinos created in the hot interface between merging stars can be briefly trapped and remain out of equilibrium with the cold cores … Read more