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| Paper: |
Binary Neutron Star Mergers Naturally form Jets that can Power Short Gamma-Ray Bursts |
| Volume: |
453, Advances in Computational Astrophysics: Methods, Tools, and Outcome |
| Page: |
41 |
| Authors: |
Rezzolla, L. |
| Abstract: |
Short Gamma-Ray Bursts (SGRB) are among the most energetic
explosions in the universe, releasing in less than a second the
energy emitted by the whole Galaxy over one year. Despite decades of
observations, the nature of their “central engine”, where the
physical conditions are the most extreme, remains largely
obscure. Here we show that, starting from generic initial conditions
consisting of a binary system of magnetized neutron stars in full
general relativity, the final fate of the system is a rapidly
spinning black hole (BH) surrounded by a hot and highly magnetized
torus feeding a jet with half opening-angle of ∼30 deg. In particular, performing simulations on timescales four
times longer than previous ones, we show that magnetohydrodynamical
instabilities developing after BH formation amplify an initial
turbulent magnetic field of ∼1012 G, to produce an
ordered jet along the BH spin axis with strengths ∼1015 G. The formation of this configuration from
abinitio
calculations provides strong evidence that the merger of
neutron-star (NS) binaries is potentially behind the central engine
of a SGRB. We anticipate that our study will set the basis for the
realistic description of the physics behind one the most extreme
phenomena in the universe. |
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