ann1713 — Announcement
Hubblecast 103: Hubble observes source of gravitational waves for the first time
16 October 2017
For the first time, Hubble has observed the source of gravitational waves: the merging of two neutron stars. This merger created a visible counterpart known as a kilonova — an object first predicted by theory more than 30 ago. This event also provides the strongest evidence yet that short duration gamma-ray bursts are caused by mergers of neutron stars. These observations may help solve another long-standing question in astronomy: the origin of heavy chemical elements, like gold and platinum. In the merger of two neutron stars, the conditions appear just right for their production.
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Contacts
Mathias Jäger
ESA/Hubble, Public Information Officer
Garching bei München, Germany
Cell: +49 176 62397500
Email: mjaeger@partner.eso.org
About the Announcement
| Id: | ann1713 |
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