When a neutron star merger occurs, it produces one of the most powerful explosions in the universe — gamma-ray bursts. But before these mergers happen, the stars spin dozens of times, and a magnetic field is produced. This magnetic field is one of the strongest magnetic fields known. It is up to 10 trillion times stronger than a refrigerator magnet. The magnetic fields are strong enough to directly transform gamma-rays into electrons and positrons and rapidly accelerate them into incredibly high energies.
Using NASA’s Pleiades supercomputer, scientists ran more than 100 simulations to see how different magnetic field configurations affected how electromagnetic waves left a system of two orbiting 1.4 solar-mass neutron stars. Most of the simulations focused on the last 7.7 milliseconds before the merger. The simulations revealed that during this period, there is a dramatic interaction of magnetic field lines. The field lines connect, break, and reconnect. While the fields interact, particles are transformed into radiation and vice versa.
The simulation went further to show regions where the highest-energy gamma-rays are produced. These rays cannot escape the system as they are quickly converted to particles in the presence of strong magnetic fields. However, gamma-rays at lower energies can escape the merging system and may later produce X-rays. Future observatories can target these lower-energy radiations to give scientists a look at a neutron star merger just before it happens.
Chibuike Okpara – Tech Writer – 369 articles published on Notebookcheck since 2024
I have always been fascinated by technology and digital devices my entire life and even got addicted to it. I have always marveled at the intricacy of even the simplest digital devices and systems around us. I have been writing and publishing articles online for about 6 years now, just about a year ago, I found myself lost in the marvel of smartphones and laptops we have in our hands every day. I developed a passion for learning about new devices and technologies that come with them and at some point, I asked myself, “Why not get into writing tech articles?” It is useless to say I followed up the idea — it is evident. I am an open-minded individual who derives an infinite amount of joy from researching and discovering new information, I believe there is so much to learn and such a short life to live, so I put my time to good use — learning new things. I am a ‘bookworm’ of the internet and digital devices. When I am not writing, you will find me on my devices still, I do explore and admire the beauty of nature and creatures. I am a fast learner and quickly adapt to changes, always looking forward to new adventures.