Simulations indicate cocoons around dying stars can be source of gravitational waves

 All gravitational waves detected so far have been from binary sources.

So far all the gravitational wave sources detected have been from binary systems, from a merger between two black holes, two neutron stars, or a black hole and a neutron star. While astronomers in theory know that gravitational waves are emitted by non-binary sources as well, such a signal has eluded detectors so far. In new research, scientists have demonstrated that the chaotic cocoons surrounding newly dead stars or newly born black holes, can be a source of gravitational waves that can be registered by gravitational wave detectors.

When a star runs out of nuclear fuel at the end of its life cycle, it balloons up and violently sheds its outer layers in an explosion known as a supernova. A dense core remains behind, which can be a white dwarf, a neutron star, or a black hole. If a dying star collapses into a black hole, it can form powerful polar jets, containing relativistic particles. The jets can collide with the collapsing layers of the star, potentially producing gravitational waves that can be spotted by gravitational wave detectors.

A paper describing the research has been presented at the 242nd meeting of the American Astronomical Society. Led author of the research, Ore Gottlieb, says, “Our study is a call to action to the community to look at cocoons as a source of gravitational waves. We also know cocoons to emit electromagnetic radiation, so they could be multi-messenger events. By studying them, we could learn more about what happens in the innermost part of stars, the properties of jets and their prevalence in stellar explosions.”

The LIGO-VIRGO-KAGRA collaboration has initiated the fourth run for the detection of gravitational waves, with the BlackGEM observatory looking for optical counterparts. Other ground and space based astronomical instruments are prepared to interrupt their planned operations to turn their gaze towards any source that is flagged. A new gravitational wave source is expected to be spotted at least once every three days.

International Conferences on Gravitational Waves

visit:gravity.sfconferences.com

Nomination link:https://x-i.me/granom

#GravitationalWaves#StellarEvolution#CocoonModel#Supernova#GravitationalWaveSources#AstrophysicsResearch#NumericalSimulations#CocoonEmission#StellarCollapse#GravitationalWaveDetection#CompactObjects#CosmicEvent