New Mechanisms for Neutron Star Binary Formation Identified

Recent observations of neutron stars have provided evidence supporting a theory that these celestial bodies can experience prolonged periods of acceleration after their formation. A new paper titled "Neutron star kicks plus rockets as a mechanism for forming wide low-eccentricity neutron star binaries" by Ryosuke Hirai, Philipp Podsiadlowski, Alexander Heger, and Hiroki Nagakura explores the implications of this phenomenon for binary star systems.

The authors analyze how the combination of rocket-like accelerations and rapid natal kicks can influence the orbits of neutron star binaries. Their findings suggest that even a minor contribution from rocket kicks, when paired with instantaneous natal kicks, can enable binary systems to achieve combinations of orbital period and eccentricity that are typically unattainable in standard models of binary evolution.

This research proposes that the kick and rocket mechanisms could serve as a new pathway for the formation of wide low-eccentricity neutron star binaries, such as the observed Gaia NS1. Additionally, the study indicates that these mechanisms could lead to stellar mergers occurring months to years following a supernova event, potentially resulting in unusual high-energy transients.

The implications of this research are significant for our understanding of neutron star dynamics and the evolution of binary star systems. The findings may influence future studies on the formation and behavior of neutron stars, as well as their role in the broader context of astrophysics.

The paper can be cited as follows: Hirai, R., Podsiadlowski, P., Heger, A., & Nagakura, H. (2024). Neutron star kicks plus rockets as a mechanism for forming wide low-eccentricity neutron star binaries. arXiv:2407.20967.