Neutron Star and Red Giant Binary Destruction

  • Released Tuesday, January 26th, 2010
  • Updated Wednesday, May 3rd, 2023 at 1:54PM
  • ID: 10546

After a supernova, a binary star may be composed of one red giant and one neutron star. The red giant can be torn apart by the neturon star's gravity if it is too close.

This animation shows the destruction of a red giant by a black hole. As the gas that makes up the star accelerates and crosses the event horizon, vast plumes of relativistic particles and radiation are emitted from the black hole's poles.

The surface of the star brightens due to tidal forces.

Credits

Please give credit for this item to:
NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center

Series

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