Gravitational Waves Signal Second-Ever Neutron Star Merger Caught by LIGO

A new gravitational wave detection shows two neutron stars slamming together, likely forming a black hole.

By Jake Parks
Jan 8, 2020 4:15 PMJan 8, 2020 4:41 PM
GWB190425
An artist's conception of two colliding neutron stars. (Credit: National Science Foundation/LIGO/Sonoma State University/A. Simonnet)

Newsletter

Sign up for our email newsletter for the latest science news
 

For just the second time, scientists have used gravitational waves (ripples in space-time) to detect the merger of two colliding neutron stars. The neutron stars — each fitting roughly the mass of the Sun into a city-sized space — have a combined mass greater than any other pair of neutron stars ever observed.

0 free articles left
Want More? Get unlimited access for as low as $1.99/month

Already a subscriber?

Register or Log In

0 free articlesSubscribe
Discover Magazine Logo
Want more?

Keep reading for as low as $1.99!

Subscribe

Already a subscriber?

Register or Log In

Stay Curious

Sign up for our weekly newsletter and unlock one more article for free.

 

View our Privacy Policy


Want more?
Keep reading for as low as $1.99!


Log In or Register

Already a subscriber?
Find my Subscription

More From Discover
Recommendations From Our Store
Shop Now
Stay Curious
Join
Our List

Sign up for our weekly science updates.

 
Subscribe
To The Magazine

Save up to 40% off the cover price when you subscribe to Discover magazine.

Copyright © 2024 Kalmbach Media Co.