Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer Satellite Pins Down Timer in Stellar Ticking Time Bomb

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This image illustrates a thermonuclear explosion as it ignites and beings to spread. It will engulf an entire neutron star. Credit: NASA
This image illustrates a thermonuclear explosion as it ignites, and beings to spread. It will engulf an entire neutron star. Credit: NASA

Using observations from NASA’s Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer (RXTE), an international team of astronomers has discovered a timing mechanism that allows them to predict exactly when a superdense star will unleash incredibly powerful explosions.


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