Astronomers Detect, Mysterious Star , That Defies Black Hole Theory.<br />'The Guardian' reports that astronomers <br />have detected an "overweight" neutron star that <br />appears to defy current astronomical theories. .<br />The massive star is the result of <br />two smaller neutron stars merging.<br />Under normal circumstances, these types of stellar <br />collisions result in neutron stars so large that <br />they almost instantly collapse into black holes. .<br />The "overweight" star <br />was visible for more than a day <br />before fading out of sight. .<br />Such a massive neutron star with <br />a long life expectancy is not normally <br />thought to be possible. It is a mystery <br />why this one was so long-lived, Dr. Nuria Jordana-Mitjans, astronomer at <br />the University of Bath, via 'The Guardian'.<br />'The Guardian' reports that the observation also raises questions regarding the source of short gamma-ray bursts, which are generated by collisions between neutron stars.<br />Previously, astronomers believed that <br />these energetic outbursts were created <br />at the poles of newly-formed black holes.<br />The most recent observation suggests <br />that the gamma-ray burst must have <br />originated in the neutron star itself. .<br />Neutron stars are the smallest, <br />densest stars in the universe.<br />Typically about 12 miles wide, a neutron star <br />is so dense that just a teaspoon <br />of material would equal 1 billion tons. .<br />The new research could reveal insight into the internal <br />structure of neutron stars, which are assumed to have <br />a core comprised of some unknown exotic matter.<br />The team's findings were published <br />in the 'Astrophysical Journal.'
