Hidden X-ray phase revealed in likely neutron star merger

An international team of astronomers, including researchers from the University of Hong Kong, has discovered a previously hidden phase of high-energy activity following the merger of compact stars. The finding points to an additional stage of X-ray emission in the evolution of the merger remnant.

• A hidden phase of high-energy activity was found after a compact-star merger
• Researchers from the University of Hong Kong (HKU) took part in the study
• The discovery concerns X-ray emission from the neutron star merger remnant