Recently, the leading observatory for the study of gravitational waves recorded oscillations in space-time, believed to be caused by a collision between the remains of a neutron star and an unknown object. Neutron stars are incredibly dense objects left behind after the collapse of a massive star, with intense gravitational fields, although not as powerful as black holes. When these two cosmic giants collide, they create gravitational waves that stretch and compress space-time, confirming the first observation of a merger between a neutron star and a black hole in 2021.
The signal of gravitational waves detected by the LIGO-Virgo-Kagra Observatory in May 2023 traveled 650 million light years. Researchers identified the merger of two objects, one ranging from 1.2 to 2 solar masses and the other from 2.5 to 4.5 solar masses. The larger object, potentially a small black hole, falls within the “mass gap zone” between neutron stars and black holes, raising questions about its true nature.
Further investigation into this collision will help determine whether the unknown object is indeed a low-mass black hole, as hypothesized by scientists. This discovery has led to speculation that clashes between neutron stars and black holes may occur more frequently than previously thought. The LIGO-Virgo-Kagra Observatory will resume operations on April 10 and continue observations until February 2025, with an expected recording of over 200 gravitational wave signals during this time.
The scientific community eagerly awaits new findings in the study of gravitational waves, following the confirmation of background gravitational waves from supermassive black holes. Additionally, the launch of the LISA space observatory is planned to listen for gravitational waves in space without Earth’s interference, opening up new possibilities for exploration in this field.