Kilonova GW 170817 Update 10/16/2017 | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

Scientists have observed a neutron star merger known as GW 170817, resulting in a kilonova and the detection of gravitational waves, shedding light on gravity, gamma ray bursts, and the creation of heavy elements.

Key Insights

• 🙂 GW 170817 involved the merger of two neutron stars, leading to the detection of gravitational waves and shedding light on the behavior of gravity itself.
• 🤩 Neutron star mergers are associated with kilonovas and offer insights into the creation of heavy elements in the universe.
• 🤩 The short gamma ray burst observed during GW 170817 solidifies the connection between such bursts and merging neutron stars.
• 🤩 The detection of elements heavier than iron in the aftermath of the neutron star merger provides confirmation of their link to kilonovas.
• 🙂 The event occurred in the galaxy NGC 4993, approximately 130 million light-years away.
• ✴️ GW 170817 raises the mystery of what remains after a neutron star merger, whether it is the heaviest known neutron star or a light black hole.
• 📽️ The collaboration between over 70 observatories and the LIGO/VIRGO project contributed to the comprehensive observations of this significant astronomical event.

Transcript

In what was likely one of the most thoroughly observed astronomical events in history -- there were over 70 observatories involved and one of the papers on it has literally thousands of co-authors, scientists in the US and Europe jointly announced today that they caught a neutron star merger in the act. Known as GW 170817 it should simultaneously s... Read More

Questions & Answers

Q: What is GW 170817?

GW 170817 refers to the observed merger of two neutron stars, which resulted in a kilonova and the detection of gravitational waves.

Q: How are gravitational waves different in neutron star mergers compared to black hole mergers?

Unlike black hole mergers, gravitational waves from a neutron star merger last longer and have an increasing frequency, providing insights into the behavior of gravity itself.

Q: What is the significance of the short gamma ray burst associated with the neutron star merger?

The occurrence of a short gamma ray burst (GRB 170817A) shortly after the gravitational wave event provides strong evidence that merging neutron stars are a source of such bursts.

Q: What did scientists discover about the creation of heavy elements through this neutron star merger?

The observation of a kilonova after the neutron star merger confirmed that these events are responsible for the creation of heavy elements, including an estimated 10,000 earth masses of gold and platinum.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Scientists have captured the merger of two neutron stars known as GW 170817, resulting in a kilonova and the detection of gravitational waves.

• The detection of gravitational waves from a neutron star merger differs from black hole mergers, providing valuable insights about gravity itself.

• The associated short gamma ray burst (GRB 170817A) and the observation of heavy elements, including gold and platinum, further confirm the connection between kilonovas and these phenomena.