Neutron stars, the dense cores left behind when a star of significant mass undergoes a catastrophic collapse, leading to a supernova, possess immense gravitational fields due to their incredible density. This powerful gravity gives rise to the phenomenon known as “cosmic cannibalism,” where the neutron star’s pull is strong enough to draw in matter from nearby stars or even the remnants of planets.
Measuring the Speed of Cosmic Jets
In a groundbreaking discovery, astronomers have directly measured the astonishing speed of cosmic jets expelled by stars after violent nuclear explosions, traveling at over one-third the speed of light. This new insight illuminates the crucial role jets play in our universe, from facilitating the birth of stars to dispersing the essential elements for life across vast distances.