LIGO-NSBH

For the first time, LIGO has discovered a neutron star merging with a black hole. RIT studen Anjali Yelikar worked hard on part of the analysis, to characterize the properties of the merging binary.

For experts Yes, we can only infer the companion objects are neutron stars from their masses. Both are consistent with zero-spin BHs once again, like 190814. Combined with previous observations (e.g., 190426 and 190425), GW-derived NS masses generally don’t seem to resemble the galactic pulsar distribution, extending to higher masses more frequently. Interesting times for formation modeling ahead!

For more information:

• Abbott et al Observation of Gravitational Waves from Two Neutron Star–Black Hole Coalescences ApJL 2021 915