Transient class · Gravitational waves + light
Kilonova
The optical and infrared glow that follows the merger of two neutron stars, powered by the radioactive decay of the heavy elements forged in the merger. The 2017 event GW170817, seen in gravitational waves and light, was the landmark of multi-messenger astronomy.
Highlights
- ›Where the heaviest elements are made
Observed across & involves
Knowledge connections
- Associated withGravitational waves
- Associated withVisible light
- Associated withNear-infrared
- Associated withMulti-messenger astronomy
- Associated withMulti-Messenger Astronomy
- Associated withGravitational-Wave Detection
- Associated withStandard Sirens
- Associated withBinary Neutron Star Merger
- Associated withGravitational Waves + Optical
- Associated withThe r-Process
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.