Hidden X-ray phase revealed in likely neutron star merger
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This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies .
The short version
- This fleeting cosmic explosion, known as EP250704a in X-rays and GRB 250704B in gamma rays, was jointly captured by the China-led Einstein Probe (EP), the Space Variable Objects Monitor (SVOM) and the Insight-Hard X-ray Modulation Telescope (HXMT).
- EP's wide-field X-ray telescope detected the event from its onset and continued to observe several episodes of soft X-ray emission after the gamma-ray signal disappeared.
- While the gamma-ray burst lasted only about 0.4 seconds, the source continued to shine in soft X-rays for nearly 10 minutes, revealing a phase of activity that conventional gamma-ray observations would likely have missed.
What happened
These findings have been published as a cover article in Science Bulletin . Short gamma-ray bursts are commonly associated with the merger of compact objects such as neutron stars.
Why it matters
As the two objects spiral together and collide, they release an intense burst of high-energy radiation.
Summary by Nerd News Network. Read the full article at Phys.org via the links above and below.