University of Alberta physicist solves supernova mystery
City-sized radioactive rock is actually the core of a supernova, says scientist Craig Heinke
“Whatever is sitting on top of the neutron star changes the radiation that comes out, so if you look at the X-rays you basically have an imprint of whatever is the element on the surface … and if it’s hydrogen it gives you one imprint. If it’s carbon, it’s something rather different,” said Heinke.
Heinke suggests the carbon coating developed because the surface temperature of the young neutron star was much hotter than the norm.
“At extremely high temperatures of millions of degrees, there can be nuclear fusion on the surface … turning the hydrogen and helium into carbon,” he said.
“We think we’ve shown there is nuclear fusion on the surface of a neutron star and we think this is the first time we’ve seen this in the evolution of a neutron star.”
Heinke suggested the neutron star will develop a hydrogen coating more recognizable to scientists once it cools.
It’s a career highlight for Heinke.
“I started reading about neutron stars in about first grade and I just thought they were the most fantastic, exotic objects ever. Somehow I managed to be able to study these for my livelihood and it is incredibly fun.”
- The Canadian Press
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