Astronomy / Space Two stars crash into each other, wobbling the universe and flinging out huge amounts of gold

CMDR Dreamstate

CMDR Dreamstate
Very interesting article from the Independent: http://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/neutron-star-collision-gravitational-waves-gold-metal-precious-ligo-a8003146.html

Two stars crash into each other, wobbling the universe and flinging out huge amounts of gold

"Scientists have observed two stars slamming into each other deep in space, sending out huge amounts of gold in an alchemical explosion.The super-dense stars crashed together 130 million light years away, spewing out precious metals and other heavy elements like platinum and uranium – and experts say the event has kickstarted a "new chapter in astrophysics" and confirmed theories about the origin of the mysterious neutron stars.The huge explosion rocked the fabric of the universe, distorting spacetime. That is a major discovery in itself, marking only the fifth time that gravitational waves have been spotted on Earth."

[video]http://brightcove.vo.llnwd.net/v1/uds/pd/624246174001/201710/1321/624246174001_5612873288001_5612842610001.mp4[/video]
 
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Ted Striker

Ted Striker
I can't even wrap my head around the effects of this collision. Warping space-time, and we have sensors here that can detect that incredibly minute wave? It's beyond my comprehension.

I'm also in awe over gold now, having it's possible origins in the collisions of neutron stars.
 

Aashenfox

Aashenfox
No article has successfully conveyed the violence of this event, or significance of humans recording it. A lot of astrophysicists peed themselves a couple of days ago. My new favourite word 'Kilonova'!

This should be in off topic though.
 

VR andysonofbob

VR andysonofbob
A friend of mine in the jewellery business is DEEPLY concerned about the effect the kilonova will have on his prices :/
 
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Nick Sticks

Nick Sticks
Those alchemists of old were doing it all wrong trying to turn base metals into gold - all they had to do was get two suns to crash into each other.
 
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