A Star Within a Star: The Strange Birth of a Compact Binary System
Astronomers have recently identified a remarkable compact binary system that appears to have formed when a neutron star spiraled into the envelope of a much larger star. This rare process, known as a “common-envelope phase,” occurs when the outer layers of one star engulf its companion, forcing them into a tight orbit as friction strips away stellar material. In this case, the neutron star’s plunge not only reshaped its partner but also created an extremely close binary system that could eventually merge in a burst of gravitational waves or produce a powerful supernova-like event. Discoveries like this help scientists understand how exotic stellar pairs including neutron star black hole and double neutron star systems come into existence, shedding light on the violent life cycles of stars and the cosmic fireworks they can unleash.
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