The collision of two neutron stars orbiting each other in a collapsing orbit is a very rare event. According to scientists, out of 100 billion stars in the entire galaxy, only 10 neutron stars collide.
So far, a series of explosions known as kilonovas have been discovered, which were the result of neutron star collisions, and none of them are located in the Milky Way; But what will happen if a kilonova occurs in the Milky Way? Could this event end life on Earth?
According to a research group led by Haley Perkins, a physicist at the University of Illinois, if the explosion of two neutron stars occurs in our vicinity, Terrible consequences for the earth will follow. Based on the findings that in Archive pre-release server were published, if we are not within 35 light years of the gamma ray burst caused by the kilonova, we will feel the greatest danger from cosmic rays. However, if we are on the path of such a fatal event, we will feel its impact even up to 300 light years away. The video below shows a simulation of the collision of two neutron stars.
By providing estimates, scientists can assess the possible threats of a kilonova event to Earth and also estimate the probability of survival on extraterrestrial worlds close to this event.
Binary neutron star collisions have several different parts based on the observed examples. Usually during this event, there is a short burst of gamma rays (supernovae emitted by single stars are usually longer). This explosion can produce a pair of narrow jets as well as gamma ray cocoons on either side of the jets.
When the jets hit the surrounding interstellar space, they produce powerful X-rays known as X-ray flares. As this event evolves over years and centuries, a bubble of cosmic rays from the collision center is released into space.
Based on their observations of the impact of the neutron star GW170817, the researchers looked at the impact of this event on the planets. According to the findings, all living things within 91 parsecs (297 light years) of the fountains would probably be roasted by the powerful gamma rays. However, the space outside this narrow fountain is a little safer. As a result, if you are within 13 light years of the collision, you will be hit by the gamma ray cocoon structures.
