Story thread · 2 reports / 2 sources

Superdense neutron star caught feeding on a blue hypergiant's stellar wind

phys.org · 3hShare

Using data from the Japan–led XRISM (X-ray Imaging and Spectroscopy Mission) observatory, astronomers have directly observed a giant star's outflow, called a stellar wind, being captured by its compact companion and providing the power source for strong X-ray flares. The research is part of NASA's exploration of the extreme universe to better understand how the cosmos works.

First report: NASA-JAXA XRISM Mission Sees Pulsar Gathering Companion’s ‘Wind’ — nasa.gov, 3d