Stars
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Physics
Improved spin-density correlation simulations give researchers clearer insight into neutron stars
Neutrinos travel through a gas of neutrons and are sensitive to the correlation between the spin and density of the neutronic material. These correlations determine how much energy is transferred from the neutrino to the neutron. Credit: Dean Lee When a star dies in a supernova, its remains can become a neutron star. Inside a neutron star, protons and electrons…
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Physics
Scientists identify flaws in astrophysical models of massive stars and supernovae
Experimental results. Credit: Nature Communications (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-54040-4 An international research team has found evidence that astrophysical models of massive stars and supernovae are inconsistent with observational gamma-ray astronomy. The research team used a new experimental method to study the unstable isotope iron-60. Iron-60 is of interest to astrophysicists because it occurs inside massive stars and is ejected from supernovae…
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Space & Cosmos
Physicists show that neutron stars may be covered in axion clouds
Axion cloud around a neutron star. Although some axions escape the star’s gravity, many remain bound to the star and form clouds that surround it for long periods of time. Interaction with the neutron star’s strong magnetic field converts some axions into photons, or light that can eventually be detected by telescopes on Earth. Credit: University of Amsterdam A team…
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Space & Cosmos
NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services to Study the Stars from the Moon with MoonLITE
Diagram showing the MoonLITE setup on the lunar surface. The mission will begin with the lander being delivered by NASA’s Commercial Lunar Landing Services (1), followed by deployment of over 100 meters (328 ft) of fiber umbilical cable (2), and the siderostat station (3). Once instrument calibration is complete, science operations will begin. Credit: van Belle et al. (2024) Optical…
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