Neutron star smash-up seen for first time, 'transforms' understanding of universe

Revealing the origin of heavy metals on our planet and elsewhere in the Universe, and unmasking the source of mysterious radiation bursts detected by satellites, they said.

For the first time, scientists have witnessed the violent fusion of two super-dense neutron stars through shockwaves and light flashes emitted 130 million years ago, researchers announced to much fanfare on Monday.

The groundbreaking observation resolves several long-standing mysteries -- revealing the origin of heavy metals on our planet and elsewhere in the Universe, and unmasking the source of mysterious radiation bursts detected by satellites, they said.

Source:AFP