Two neutron stars smashing together may produce a form of matter not seen before. If that happens, simulations suggest there would be a signal in gravitational waves resulting from the collision
Gravitational waves could contain hints of a new type of matter
Science Photo Library
Gravitational waves created when two neutron stars collide may contain evidence of a previously unseen type of matter made of quarks.
Neutron stars form when massive stars run out of fuel and collapse. They are densely packed with neutrons, each of which contains three quarks held together by the strong nuclear force. When two neutron stars merge, their particles are so forcefully smashed that the quarks may be able to leave their neutron confinement and form a type of matter …