Transient class · Gravitational waves
Compact-Binary Merger
The inspiral and merger of two compact objects — black holes or neutron stars — radiating a chirp of gravitational waves. Since 2015 these have been heard routinely; neutron-star mergers also shine as kilonovae.
Highlights
- ›The gravitational-wave sky's routine signal
Observed across & involves
Knowledge connections
- Associated withGravitational waves
- Associated withMulti-messenger astronomy
- Associated withGravitational-Wave Detection
Sources
The primary and reference sources this topic draws on.
- NASANational Aeronautics and Space Administration
Mission data, planetary science, space telescopes, and public-domain imagery.
Most NASA-produced imagery is in the public domain; individual items are checked for usage terms before publication.