Neutron star merger visualized

This video shows a computer simulation of two neutron stars merging, showing threedimensional visualizations of the data. The simulation models an event like the one responsible for the first gravitational waves detected by @LIGOVirgo in 2017 from a neutron star coalescence (GW170817).

For general background information, see

Simulations and raytracing performed on the “Holodeck” cluster at AEI by Wolfgang Kastaun.

Extra credits: thanks to the SOHO observatory for images of the sun, to @smartereveryday for the slow motion bird footage, and to the developers of @BlenderOfficial, the free open source raytracing software.

[al-tosx]

love the slo-mo bird for that speed comparison!

[GiuseppeSan]

I was imagining a neutron star merger recently and thought how incredible it would be visualize it as being close to the Earth to give a sense of scale. Now I don't need to imagine anymore! Kudos!

[shufflecat]

This video is amazing. I have never seen such a great visualization of scale, not only in time but also in size, shown next to visualizations of other concepts like gravitational waves. This is truly a great resource for those learning about the subject.

[onlyplaysveigar]

Wow that last simulation was unbelievably well made and informative!

[calmingsxnity]

Omg that’s the maddest TING I’ve ever seen 😤‼️

[myrtlekenazjanairo]

Ive seen a lot of Neutron star merger videos but this is the first time I've seenthat is compared in real time by adding that slowmo video of a bird flying. You see, average people like me are not smart enough to follow or visualize the concept of astronomy. I know they explained it in the video but comparing it with a real time videos would help a lot. I'm stupid ok? lmao

[michealdoor]

Sorry for being a bit slow but there's a black hole in the middle of a neutron star?