Kilonova

Why in news?

• Researchers have confirmed the detection of a star system that will one day end in a kilonova.
• Scientists believe that only ten-star systems that exist in the Milky Way will end in kilonova. The newfound one has been labelled as CPD-29 2176 and is located about 11,400 light-years from the earth.

About Kilonova:

• A kilonova is a cosmic event that occurs when a neutron star smashes into another neutron star or a black hole.
• It releases heavy metals like gold, silver, and selenium into outer space at tremendous velocities, as well as radiation.
• A kilonova radiation also accompanies a gamma-ray burst, one of the most energetic cosmic events ever known.

What is neutron star?

• Neutron stars are formed when a massive star runs out of fuel and collapses. The very central region of the star – the core – collapses, crushing together every proton and electron into a neutron.
• If the core of the collapsing star is between about 1 and 3 solar masses, these newly-created neutrons can stop the collapse, leaving behind a neutron star.
• Many neutron stars are likely undetectable because they simply do not emit enough radiation.

PRACTICE QUESTION:

The term ‘Kilonova’, sometimes seen in news, is associated with:

(a) Marine biodiversity

(b) Cosmology

(c) Quantum computing

(d) Power generation

Answer