NASA has discovered space object M82 X-2 that defies the laws of physics - a neutron star 10 million times brighter than the Sun

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has found an object in the Universe that is 10 million times brighter than the Sun. It is a neutron star called M82 X-2.

Here's What We Know

According to the scientists, the neutron star violates a law of physics known as the Eddington limit. In simple terms, it defines the maximum luminosity of an object as a function of mass. If the X-ray power exceeds this limit, the object (in our case a neutron star) must explode.

Scientists have long known about ultra-bright X-ray sources. They are usually 100 to 500 times the Eddington limit, but astrophysicists are still unable to find an explanation. Previously, it was suggested that the high brightness was actually just an optical illusion, but a fresh NASA study has proven that such objects do exist in our Universe.

Earlier hypotheses had suggested black holes as the source of the powerful emission. In the case of M82 X-2, it is a neutron star with a surface gravity 100 trillion times greater than that of the Earth. Because of this, matter releases an enormous amount of energy when falling on the surface of a star. For example, the effect of a marshmallow falling would be comparable to the explosion of thousands of hydrogen bombs.

Next to M82 X-2 is another star. Our hero takes out the equivalent mass of 1.5 Earths each year. Scientists at NASA believe the neutron star is undergoing processes that allow it to violate Eddington's limit and not explode. It's possible that a strong magnetic field is the culprit.

Source: Live Science