What is Kilonova?

Why in news?

• The newly found star system has been labelled CPD-29 2176 and is located about 11,400 light-years from the earth.
• CPD-29 2176 is currently a neutron star and a star orbiting each other.

What is Kilonova?

• A kilonova is a cosmic event that occurs when a neutron star smashes into another neutron star or a black hole.
• It releases heavy metals like gold, silver, and selenium into outer space at tremendous velocities, as well as radiation.
• A kilonova radiation also accompanies a gamma-ray burst, one of the most energetic cosmic events ever known.

What is a Neutron star?

• The stars which are formed when a massive star runs out of fuel and collapses are called neutron stars
• The very central region of the star – the core – collapses, crushing together every proton and electron into a neutron.

Q1) What is a black hole?

A black hole is a place in space where gravity pulls so much that even light can not get out. Gravity is so strong because matter has been squeezed into a tiny space.

Source:  Science for All | What is a kilonova?

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