Neutron Star

6 reports

XRISM Tracks Stellar Wind Falling Onto a Pulsar

XRISM has traced iron-rich plasma moving toward the pulsar GX 301-2 at about 540,000 kph, providing spectroscopic evidence that a neutron star captures its giant companion's stellar wind and powers recurring X-ray flares.

Read the analysis

Vampire white dwarfs can collapse into neutron stars under precise conditions

Researchers have modeled how certain white dwarfs feeding on companion stars can collapse into neutron stars if their mass and accretion rate fall within a narrow range, revealing a rare but physically distinct pathway for stellar evolution.

Read the analysis

Supernova Experiments Reveal New Clues to Element Formation in Stars

Two new studies use nuclear experiments and astrophysical modeling to clarify how supernovae forge and distribute elements like titanium and nickel, offering the most precise look yet at the processes that shape the chemical makeup of the universe

Read the analysis

NASA's IXPE Observes Magnetar and Tests Quantum Vacuum Theory

NASA's IXPE telescope spent over 140 hours observing magnetar 1E 1547-5408, collecting X-ray polarization data that may reveal how empty space behaves in extreme magnetic fields

Read the analysis

NASA's IXPE Detects Signs of Quantum Vacuum Effect Near Magnetar

NASA's IXPE telescope has measured X-ray polarization from a magnetar, providing evidence consistent with a quantum electrodynamics effect predicted for nearly a century but never directly observed in space

Read the analysis

NASA's IXPE Maps Magnetic Field of Unusual Pulsar in Milky Way

Astronomers have used NASA's Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer to directly map the magnetic field around the pulsar PSR J1101-6101, revealing how high-energy particles stream through the Milky Way and testing long-standing theoretical predictions

Read the analysis