kilonovaer
Kilonovae are astronomical events characterized by the rapid and intense emission of electromagnetic radiation that occurs following the merger of two neutron stars or a neutron star and a black hole. These phenomena are considered a subclass of supernovae, distinguished by their origin and unique light emission properties. Kilonovae are significant in astrophysics because they provide a source for the creation of heavy elements such as gold, platinum, and uranium through rapid neutron capture processes, known as r-process nucleosynthesis.
When neutron stars collide, they release a tremendous amount of energy, ejecting neutron-rich material into space.
The first confirmed kilonova observation occurred in 2017, associated with the gravitational wave event GW170817. This
Kilonovae are also valuable in cosmology, as they serve as standard candles for measuring cosmic distances.