Kilonova GW 170817 Update 10/16/2017

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.

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

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.

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.