XRISM catches neutron star feeding on blue hypergiant's stellar wind

Astronomers using Japan's XRISM X-ray observatory have directly observed a blue hypergiant's stellar wind being captured by its compact companion, a superdense neutron star. This captured material powers the system's strong X-ray flares.

• Observations made with Japan-led XRISM X-ray observatory
• First direct view of a neutron star capturing stellar wind
• Hypergiant's outflow powers the system's X-ray flares
• Work is part of NASA's exploration of the extreme universe