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Spitzer spies jets of matter around neutron star

Started by Rick, Jun 29, 2006, 11:52:12

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Rick

Researchers at the University of Southampton have discovered a neutron star* that is producing jets of matter at its poles. Previously, it was thought that this behaviour was exclusive to black holes, specifically those in X-Ray binary systems.

An X-Ray binary system is one in which a collapsed star (a white dwarf, neutron star, or black hole) orbits a normal star so closely that its gravity pulls matter from the main star. This forms an accretion disk around the collapsed star, and as the material falls inwards, it emits X-rays - hence the name.

More: http://www.theregister.co.uk/2006/06/28/neutron_star_jets/