Production of Jets before Neutron Star Mergers

Production of Jets before Neutron Star Mergers
Praveen Sharma, Slava G. Turyshev, Maxim V. Barkov, Maxim Lyutikov
arXiv:2602.14300v2 Announce Type: replace
Abstract: We demonstrate that magnetospheric interactions between merging neutron stars (NSs) generate dual-jetted current outflows, analogous to the Alfv'{e}n wings observed during planetary interactions in the Solar System. Using 3D relativistic MHD simulations, we model the interaction as a conducting sphere moving through a highly magnetized plasma of the companion’s magnetosphere. Unusually, the interaction operates in a regime that is relativistic yet sub-Alfv'{e}nic. Electromagnetic draping amplifies magnetic fields in a narrow layer near the stellar surface, leading to the generation of electric currents along the local magnetic field. The generation of beamed outflows enhances the instantaneous power of the pulsar-like radio and high-energy emission, produces spin/orbital modulations, and is likely to lead to observable precursor emission preceding the main gravitational wave event.arXiv:2602.14300v2 Announce Type: replace
Abstract: We demonstrate that magnetospheric interactions between merging neutron stars (NSs) generate dual-jetted current outflows, analogous to the Alfv'{e}n wings observed during planetary interactions in the Solar System. Using 3D relativistic MHD simulations, we model the interaction as a conducting sphere moving through a highly magnetized plasma of the companion’s magnetosphere. Unusually, the interaction operates in a regime that is relativistic yet sub-Alfv'{e}nic. Electromagnetic draping amplifies magnetic fields in a narrow layer near the stellar surface, leading to the generation of electric currents along the local magnetic field. The generation of beamed outflows enhances the instantaneous power of the pulsar-like radio and high-energy emission, produces spin/orbital modulations, and is likely to lead to observable precursor emission preceding the main gravitational wave event.