Astrophysicists discover why black holes and neutron stars shine bright

[Judi Lynn]

Researchers find what causes the glow coming from the densest objects in our universe.
PAUL RATNER
29 November, 2019

Columbia University astrophysicists discovered the cause of the unusual glow coming from regions of space with black holes and neutron stars.

The researchers ran some of the largest computer simulations ever to reach their conclusions.

They found that turbulence and reconnection of super-strong magnetic fields are responsible for the light.

Demonstrating again that space is a limitless reservoir of scientific wonders, a new study discovered why areas hosting black holes and neutron stars emit strange bright glows. Astrophysicists found that turbulence and reconnection of super-strong magnetic fields are behind the cosmic mystery.

The cause of the phenomenon, which illuminates these super-dense parts of space, has been attributed previously to high-energy electromagnetic radiation. Scientists speculated that it's created by electrons moving at just about the speed of light. The new study from researchers at Columbia University explained why these particles accelerate.

Astrophysicists Luca Comisso and Lorenzo Sironi carried out the research by running some of the largest super-computer simulations ever conducted in this area. They managed to calculate the trajectories of hundreds of billions of charged particles.

More:
https://bigthink.com/surprising-science/new-theory-explains-light-from-black-holes-neutron-stars