Extreme Nuclear Transients (ENTs): A New Class of Astronomical Phenomena
Astronomers have recently identified a new class of celestial events known as extreme nuclear transients (ENTs), which are more powerful than the previously known gamma-ray bursts (GRBs).
Cataclysmic Events in the Universe
The universe, despite its serene appearance, is filled with violent events such as:
- Colliding galaxies
- Supernovae, the explosive deaths of massive stars
- Powerful geysers of X-rays
- Black holes consuming stars
- Gamma-ray bursts (GRBs), known as the most luminous electromagnetic events since the Big Bang
Understanding ENTs
ENTs are powered by the accretion from the debris of massive stars at least three times heavier than our sun, torn apart by supermassive black holes.
- As a star nears a black hole, it undergoes "spaghettification," stretching into a thin stream.
- The process releases enormous electromagnetic energy, making ENTs the biggest explosions since the Big Bang.
- ENTs emit up to ten times more energy than previous record holders.
Comparison with Other Astronomical Events
- Tidal Disruption Events (TDEs): Share similarities with ENTs but differ due to the larger host galaxies and massive central black holes in ENTs.
- Fast X-ray Transients (FXTs): Short-lived and less energetic than ENTs, with origins linked to supernovae rather than massive black hole interactions.
