May 9, 2025
Science

Cosmic ‘energy knives’ could split stars in half, scientists say

  • October 24, 2023
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In their latest discovery, scientists from New York University described a special event that can occur when the core of a massive star collapses. They hypothesize that powerful

In their latest discovery, scientists from New York University described a special event that can occur when the core of a massive star collapses. They hypothesize that powerful forces inside a particular type of neutron star can flare and emit intense bursts of radiation, effectively cutting through a celestial body like a knife.

Details of the study

The NYU study, published in a preprint of a peer-reviewed paper, focuses on modeling the forces at work inside a magnetar, a special type of neutron star known for its extremely strong magnetic field with a magnitude greater than that of ordinary neutron stars. Not to mention that it’s dwarfed by the Earth’s magnetic field.

The main goal of this research is to unravel the origin of gamma-ray bursts, mysterious celestial events that have baffled scientists for years. Previous studies have suggested that black holes and magnetars could be potential sources of these high-energy emissions.

The energy that cuts the stars from the inside

New York University research shows that radiation modulated by these magnetic fields in the newly formed magnetar can penetrate the “dense stellar interior”, effectively splitting the star in half.

This phenomenon, which the researchers call “relativistic stabbing,” releases a powerful beam of energy that has implications for understanding long-lasting gamma-ray bursts, as opposed to more typical, shorter bursts that brighten and dissipate within seconds.

As this exciting discovery emerges, scientists are preparing to conduct further research and analysis on these proposed relativistic blades. This new discovery promises to deepen our understanding of the fascinating and sometimes brutal physics that governs the mysterious corners of the universe.

The work of New York University scientists represents a significant step in unraveling the mysteries of cosmic events and opens new ways to study the most exotic phenomena in space. Further study and ongoing research will undoubtedly help strengthen our understanding of this phenomenon and allow scientists to continue uncovering layers of intriguing mysteries of the universe.

Source: 24 Tv

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