"Immersive 3D Simulation Unveils Astonishing Kilonova Phenomenon"

Researchers have created a 3D computer simulation of a kilonova, a catastrophic event resulting from the merger of two neutron stars. The simulation provides insights into the high-energy mayhem and formation of heavy elements during the explosion. The simulation aligns with observations of the kilonova AT2017gfo, indicating a broad understanding of the event. Kilonovae are the main source of heavy chemical elements in the universe, such as gold and platinum. The simulation combines physics areas including high-density matter behavior, unstable heavy nuclei properties, and atom-light interactions of heavy elements. Further research aims to enhance the precision of predicting and understanding spectral features, advancing our knowledge of heavy element synthesis conditions.