Stars · Physics
Kilonova
Say it: kil-uh-NOH-vuh IPA: /ˌkɪləˈnoʊvə/ noun
Kilonova: A transient glow powered by radioactive decay in matter ejected by a merger involving neutron stars.
Some compact-object mergers eject neutron-rich material. As newly formed unstable nuclei decay, they heat the debris and produce an evolving glow.
- Example
- The kilonova faded as the merger debris expanded and cooled.
- Why astronomers use it
- It connects neutron-star mergers with the production of some heavy elements.
- Tiny cosmic connection
- A neutron star-black hole merger does not always eject enough material to produce a detectable kilonova.
Deep Space Stars Physics
Where to check it
- NASA Science: Universe glossary (opens in a new tab)
- NASA Hubble glossary (opens in a new tab)
- Wikipedia: Kilonova (opens in a new tab)
Written for Cool Moon Facts in its own words; the sources cover the same idea in more depth.