First Observation of Neutron Star Mergers
October 16, 2017
On October 16, 2017, scientists announced the first-ever observation of a binary neutron star inspiral and merger—this astronomical event will provide a powerful new way to understand the lives of stars and how they die and join the galactic graveyard.
Vicky Kalogera, CIERA Director and Daniel I. Linzer Distinguished University Professor, served as lead astrophysicist on the panel at the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) press conference announcing the discovery. Shane Larson, Raffaella Margutti, Wen-fai Fong, and their research groups also contributed to this historic discovery. They will lead a panel discussion of the discovery on Tuesday, November 28, 2017.
For more details on this exciting discovery, read the Northwestern News story and coverage by the New York Times.