Neutron stars on collision course.

In summary, when two neutron stars or a neutron star and a large main sequence star collide, they will turn into a black hole. This is due to the high impact speed of approximately 1.4 C and the large mass-energy yield of 6.4E47 Joules. If the stars are not massive enough, they may not turn into a black hole and instead may just merge together.
  • #1
Pds3.14
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Simply put, either by chance or a suicidal type-III Civilization, 2 neutron stars, or a neutron star an a large-ish main sequence star are thrown at each other and fall STRAIGHT into each other.
What happens? Does the ~1.4 C Newtonian impact speed result in them getting blown up and releasing their mass-energy into the universe? making a black hole? something else?

For the sake of consistency, let us assume that each neutron star is 2 Solar masses with a radius of 6 km, this also happens to be hovering on the edge of becoming a black hole. (pciked values arbitrarily, got 99.5C as escape velocity.)

By the way, preliminary calculations of the mass-energy of each seem to indicate a yield of 6.4E47 Joules, if that is what would happen.
 
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  • #2
Note that neither star see's the other as approaching at 1.4 c due to the way velocities add in special relativity.

What would happen is that they would collide and turn into a black hole.
 
  • #3
Drakkith said:
Note that neither star see's the other as approaching at 1.4 c due to the way velocities add in special relativity.

What would happen is that they would collide and turn into a black hole.

Hmm... I guess that upon contact, they would be nearly in the event horizon...

What about if they were insufficiently massive to do so, e.g. 1 solar mass each and the same radius as before?
 

Related to Neutron stars on collision course.

1. What are neutron stars?

Neutron stars are the densest and smallest stars in the universe. They are formed when a massive star dies in a supernova explosion, leaving behind a core composed mostly of neutrons.

2. How do neutron stars on collision course form?

Neutron stars on collision course are formed when two neutron stars are in a binary system and their orbits gradually decay, bringing them closer and closer until they eventually collide.

3. What happens when neutron stars collide?

When neutron stars collide, it results in a violent and energetic event known as a kilonova. It releases a tremendous amount of energy in the form of gravitational waves, electromagnetic radiation, and heavy elements such as gold and platinum.

4. Can we observe neutron star collisions?

Yes, we can observe neutron star collisions through various methods such as telescopes that detect electromagnetic radiation, gravitational wave detectors, and even through the detection of heavy elements produced by the collision.

5. What can we learn from studying neutron star collisions?

Studying neutron star collisions can provide valuable insights into the formation and evolution of the universe, as well as the behavior of matter under extreme conditions. It can also help us better understand the processes involved in creating heavy elements and the role of neutron stars in the universe.

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