X-ray Burst Images

300 dpi image A supercomputer simulation of the surface of a neutron star 60 microseconds after the detonation of an X-ray burst. Horizontally, the plot represents a 2-kilometer (1.2 mile) portion along the surface of the neutron star. Vertically, the plot extends 1.5 kilometers (.93 of a mile) above the star’s surface. The colors indicate different values in density of matter. The greatest densities occur in the red area, where matter is 100 million times more dense than water. The greeen line near the bottom marks the boundary between the unburned nuclear fuel ahead of the detonation front and the ash behind it. A shock wave races ahead of the detonation front, reaching a height of 1 kilometer (.62 of a mile). Also visible is the first surface wave breaking ahead of the detonation front. A dark blue line marks a constant density concetration of matter that is 100 million times greater than the human body, indicating how much the surface of the star has been disturbed by the explosion.

300 dpi image The simulated surface of a neutron star 150 microseconds after the detonation of an X-ray burst. Here, the detonation front is about to reach the right side of the illustration, while several surface waves form behind the detonation front.