Neutron Star Merger (IMAGE)

DOE/Los Alamos National Laboratory

Neutron Star Merger

Caption

The merger of two neutron stars is among the leading candidate sites for synthesizing the heavier elements on the periodic table through the rapid-neutron-capture process. The image shows two neutron stars colliding to releasing neutrons that radioactive nuclei rapidly capture. The combination of neutron capture and radioactive decay produces subsequently heavier elements. The entire process is believed to happen in a single second.

Credit

Credit: Los Alamos National Laboratory (Matthew Mumpower)

Usage Restrictions

No restrictions.

License

Public Domain

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