Gravitational and electromagnetic outputs from binary neutron star mergers

TL;DR

This paper uses advanced simulations to explore how binary neutron star mergers produce significant gravitational waves and electromagnetic radiation, revealing their potential as sources for multimessenger astronomy.

Contribution

It demonstrates, through detailed simulations, how magnetospheric interactions in neutron star mergers generate observable electromagnetic signals alongside gravitational waves.

Findings

Electromagnetic power can outshine pulsars in binaries.

Radiation exhibits distinctive angular and temporal patterns.

Large opening angles for electromagnetic radiation are observed.

Abstract

The late stage of an inspiraling neutron star binary gives rise to strong gravitational wave emission due to its highly dynamic, strong gravity. Moreover, interactions between the stellar magnetospheres can produce considerable electromagnetic radiation. We study this scenario using fully general relativistic, resistive magneto-hydrodynamics simulations. We show that these interactions extract kinetic energy from the system, dissipate heat, and power radiative Poynting flux, as well as develop current sheets. Our results indicate that this power can: (i) outshine pulsars in binaries, (ii) display a distinctive angular- and time-dependent pattern, and (iii) radiate within large opening angles. These properties suggest that some binary neutron star mergers are ideal candidates for multimessenger astronomy.