Mysterious 10-minute X-ray burst from a distant galaxy may have come from 2 dead stars colliding

Live updates

1. 49m ago

   Mysterious 10-minute X-ray burst likely from neutron star merger

   A 10-minute X-ray burst from a distant galaxy may have come from two dead stars colliding. The event, detected by the Einstein Probe, is believed to be a result of a neutron star merger. This phenomenon is rare and short-lived, making it difficult to study. Scientists are eager to learn more about these events to understand the universe.

   Why it matters

   The detection of this X-ray burst provides insights into the merger of neutron stars, which are among the most extreme events in the universe. Neutron star mergers can produce heavy elements and gravitational waves, making them crucial for understanding astrophysical processes. The ability to detect and study these events can help scientists refine their models of the universe.

   What is confirmed

   • The X-ray burst lasted 10 minutes.
   • The event originated from a distant galaxy.
   • The burst may have resulted from the merger of two neutron stars.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The X-ray burst took 6 billion years to reach Earth.

   What to watch next

   • Further analysis of the Einstein Probe's data
   • Detection of similar X-ray bursts from other galaxies
   • Confirmation of neutron star merger as the source of the X-ray burst
   Sources used for this update (5)

   1. Space — Mysterious 10-minute X-ray burst from a distant galaxy may have come from 2 dead stars colliding
   2. Phys.org — Hidden X-ray phase revealed in likely neutron star merger
   3. The Economic Times — Longest-lasting X-ray flash that took 6 billion years to reach Earth, may have be a result of neutron star
   4. ua.news — Einstein Probe records 10 minutes of soft X-ray emission — ScienceDaily
   5. ScienceDaily — Einstein Probe reveals a hidden phase of neutron star collisions
   confidence 90%