Observing the globular cluster NGC 1851, astronomers have come across a peculiar object orbiting a millisecond pulsar. With the help of the MeerKAT radio telescope, they have determined that it is something incredibly dense. According to scientists, there are two possibilities regarding the nature of this object – it could either be a neutron star or a black hole. The discovery of both these objects in this system would be a groundbreaking achievement.
Research conducted on the NGC 1851 cluster has revealed that the object orbiting the pulsar consists of extremely dense remnants of a star. Its mass is greater than any known neutron star, yet smaller than any known black hole. As a result, this object resides in the mass gap between neutron stars and black holes, making it a remarkable discovery.
Neutron stars and black holes are objects formed by the death of massive stars. During supernova explosions, the outer layers of the star are expelled into space, while the remnants can take the form of either neutron stars or black holes. With a sufficient accumulation of mass, a neutron star can collapse into a black hole.
Scientists emphasize that discovering the true nature of the pulsar’s companion in this system will be extremely important for the advancement of our understanding of neutron stars and black holes. This unique binary system can serve as a laboratory for studying the properties of matter under extreme conditions in the universe.
While there is no certainty whether the most massive neutron star or the lightest black hole has been discovered, the revelation of this unique system provides scientists with new opportunities to study extreme cosmic phenomena.
FAQ:
1. What is the NGC 1851 globular cluster?
The NGC 1851 globular cluster is a concentration of stars in space.
2. What discovery did astronomers make regarding this object?
Astronomers, observing the NGC 1851 cluster, came across a peculiar object orbiting a millisecond pulsar.
3. What are the possibilities regarding the nature of this object?
According to scientists, there are two possibilities regarding the nature of this object – it could either be a neutron star or a black hole.
4. What did the research on the NGC 1851 cluster reveal?
The research revealed that the object orbiting the pulsar consists of extremely dense remnants of a star.
5. What is the mass of this object?
The mass of this object is greater than any known neutron star, yet smaller than any known black hole.
6. What are neutron stars and black holes?
Neutron stars and black holes are objects formed by the death of massive stars.
7. What is the significance of this discovery for the development of our understanding of neutron stars and black holes?
Discovering the true nature of the pulsar’s companion in this system is immensely important for the advancement of our understanding of neutron stars and black holes.
Suggested links:
Wikipedia: Neutron Star
Wikipedia: Black Hole
NASA: What is a Black Hole?
The source of the article is from the blog smartphonemagazine.nl