Discussion Questions: Colliding Neutron Stars Create Black Hole and Gamma-ray Burst

Before Viewing

• How can we tell what might be happening in outer space? What data can we collect to help us “see” places we can’t go?
• In astronomy, “far away” translates into “long ago.” Why is this true?
• What do you think happens to stars when their energy runs out? How do stars die?

While Viewing

• How do gamma ray bursts give us clues about the magnitude of gravitational and magnetic forces?
• Why did scientists decide to simulate or model two neutron stars colliding?
• What did you notice about the pattern of magnetic field lines? How did that pattern relate to the particle jets that produce the gamma ray bursts?

After Viewing

• Why do you think extreme phenomena like black holes or colliding neutron stars would produce gamma rays?
• Why do we observe gamma ray bursts rather than a continuous flow of radiation? Does the video provide any clues or insights about this question?
• When have you used a model or simulation to learn something new or to test a hypothesis? How can you assess the validity of a simulation or model?
• Bonus Question: Why do you think the supercomputer took six weeks to reveal something that happens in a tiny fraction of a second?