Observational Data vs. Simulation (VIDEO)

University of California - Berkeley

Caption

Simulations by a UC Berkeley and Berkeley Lab team led by Daniel Kasen fits remarkably well with observations of the spectrum from the debris cloud left behind when the neutron stars merged. The simulation (right) predicted a blue glow from lighter radioactive elements ejected along the poles, followed by a long-term red glow from heavier elements produced as the stars ripped one another's faces off.

Credit

Dan Kasen, UC Berkeley and Berkeley Lab

Usage Restrictions

None

License

Licensed content

Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.