Researchers at the Max Planck Institute have conducted the most extensive simulation of a neutron star merger to date, offering unprecedented insights into the formation of black holes and the generation of matter jets. The simulation, detailed in a study published in January 2025, spanned 1.5 seconds of real-time and required 130 million CPU hours on the Fugaku supercomputer in Japan.
The simulation incorporated general relativity, neutrino radiation, and magnetohydrodynamics to model the merger of two neutron stars, with masses of 1.25 and 1.65 times that of our Sun, respectively. The process resulted in the rapid collapse into a black hole and the formation of a matter jet along the black hole's rotational axis. This jet formation is believed to be a trigger for gamma-ray bursts.
These findings are crucial for advancing multi-messenger astronomy, enabling scientists to better interpret signals from observatories worldwide. The simulation also provides valuable data on neutrino emissions and the ejection of matter into space, enhancing our understanding of neutron star mergers and their role in creating heavy elements like gold.