Neutron Star Jets Might Help Push Stars Apart

By Space.Fan Editorial DeskSeptember 29, 2026 at 5:00 PM UTC

New simulations show how powerful energy beams from dead stars could shape the way binary star systems evolve.

The Drop

When two s orbit each other, they sometimes get too close. This can lead to a messy situation where a smaller, dead —like a —gets swallowed by a larger, puffy red giant . Scientists call this the common envelope phase. It is a very complicated event that astronomers have been trying to understand for a long time. In this study, researchers used powerful computer models to see what happens inside that giant during this process. They wanted to know if the tiny, dense could fight back. The computer models simulated a trapped deep inside the gas of a larger . They found that the can create strong beams of energy, called jets. These jets act like massive drills that push outward through the 's outer layers. The simulation showed that these jets push away about twice as much gas as they would without the jets. This helps the create a path through the surrounding material. It is a violent and chaotic process that changes the shape of the system entirely.

Why It Matters

This research is important because it shows how s can influence their own surroundings during these dramatic events. Before this, it was unclear if these powerful jets could actually change the outcome of a merger. By showing that jets blow away extra gas, scientists can better predict how binary systems change over time and what they eventually become.

The Catch

This study is based on computer simulations, not direct telescope observations. While the models use complex physics to mimic real life, they cannot capture every single detail happening in a real . Also, the jets seem to stop being as effective once they break through the surface of the , so they might not be the only thing controlling the 's fate.

Put That in Perspective

Scientists have known about common envelope events for a long time, but they remain one of the biggest mysteries in star evolution. This new simulation provides a clearer look at how these binary stars interact, and researchers will likely use these results to refine future models of how different star systems evolve across the galaxy.

Source September 29, 2026

ApJ

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