Interpreting high-energy astrophysical phenomena, such as supernova explosions or collisions with neutron stars, requires a deep understanding of matter at supranuclear density levels. However, our knowledge of the densest matter studied in the cores of neutron stars is still limited. Fortunately, dense matter is studied not only in astrophysical observations, but also in heavy ion collision experiments on Earth.
In this published paper, the research team uses Bayesian inference to combine data from observations of multiple astronomical emissions in neutron stars, heavy ion collisions with gold nuclei at relativ energies, along with theory-based calculations in the field of microscopic levels of nuclear fission, to improve our understanding of matter. Dense in neutron stars. The research team found that taking into account the data of heavy ion collisions indicates a greater pressure in the dense matter of neutron stars compared to previous analyzes, revealing that the radii of neutron stars are larger, which is consistent with the results of recent observations made by the “Explorer of the Interior of Stars” mission. Neutron Star Interior Composition Explorer Controls deduced from heavy ion collision experiments are remarkably consistent with observations of multiple astronomical emissions in neutron stars, and provide complementary information on nuclear material in intermediate density states. This research work integrates theories in the field of nuclear studies and experiments and the results of astrophysical observations. It shows how joint studies can shed light on the properties of neutron-rich materials above the nuclear level, in the density ranges studied in neutron stars.