James Webb Space Telescope Uncovers Clues to the Universe with Detection of Tellurium in a Rare Neutron Star Merger
A team of scientists utilized a combination of space and ground-based telescopes, including NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope, Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope, and Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory, to conduct a recent study on a remarkably luminous gamma-ray burst (GRB 230307A), as reported by NASA.
NASA looked at the neutron star fusion that caused the explosion that produced the gamma-ray burst and shed light on the origin of such events.
NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope played a crucial role in detecting the presence of the chemical element tellurium in the aftermath of the explosion, helping scientists understand the composition of the neutron star fusion kilonova.
The study’s lead author, Andrew Levan, emphasized the importance of Webb’s contribution in advancing our understanding of how and where elements form in the universe.
Neutron star mergers have long been theorized as a possible source for the creation of non-iron heavy elements, and this study provided strong evidence to support this hypothesis.
Exceptionally rare neutron star merger kilonova events have proven challenging to detect, but the results of the study provide valuable insights into these events.
GRB 230307A is a remarkable case, as it was detected by Fermi and stood out as the second brightest gamma-ray burst in more than 50 years, even though it lasted 200 seconds.
The cooperation of several telescopes, both in space and on the ground, allowed researchers to gather a wealth of information about this unique event and its rapidly changing characteristics.
The findings of the survey, made possible by Webb’s infrared capability, helped identify the location of the neutron stars and revealed that they were in a spiral galaxy about 120,000 light-years away from the fusion site.
The research highlights the revolutionary role telescopes like Webb and future instruments like the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope will play in improving our understanding of the universe by enabling the study of rare events like kilonovae and the elements they produce.
