What is Kilonova?

Why in news?

• The newly found star system has been labelled CPD-29 2176 and is located about 11,400 light-years from the earth.
• CPD-29 2176 is currently a neutron star and a star orbiting each other.

What is Kilonova?

• A kilonova is a cosmic event that occurs when a neutron star smashes into another neutron star or a black hole.
• It releases heavy metals like gold, silver, and selenium into outer space at tremendous velocities, as well as radiation.
• A kilonova radiation also accompanies a gamma-ray burst, one of the most energetic cosmic events ever known.

What is a Neutron star?

• The stars which are formed when a massive star runs out of fuel and collapses are called neutron stars
• The very central region of the star – the core – collapses, crushing together every proton and electron into a neutron.