Fermi Captures Neutron Star Plunge
September 7, 2011
The Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope, with comprehensive support provided by SESDA II scientists and software developers, recently yielded an unprecedented set of observations of a fascinating astrophysical binary system consisting of a neutron star and a massive star. Every 3.4 years the incredibly dense neutron star plunges directly through the disk of gas surrounding its companion, producing a spray of highly energetic gamma-radiation, and Fermi was uniquely equipped to record the most recent occurrence in great detail. You can read all about this fascinating event at http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/GLAST/news/odd-couple.html
