Astronomers find lowest-mass double neutron star system using FAST telescope
Researchers at Chinese institutions discovered a low-mass double neutron star system with an orbit consistent with general relativity predictions on October 2, 2026.
Discovery of rare binary system
Scientists used the Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical radio Telescope to identify PSR J1856-0039 as a unique double neutron star pair. This specific system holds the record for the lowest combined mass found in such a configuration to date. The discovery was published in a paper within Physical Review Letters.
Orbital behavior matches theory
The shrinking orbit of the pair aligns with energy loss caused by gravitational waves as predicted by Einstein. JinLin Han noted that the team has discovered approximately 900 pulsars during their ongoing survey using FAST. Among these findings, this particular system stands out for its unusual mass characteristics.
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