Record-breaking achievement: Scientists led by the Max Planck Institute for Gravitational Physics have completed the longest and most detailed simulation ever of a binary neutron star merger. The simulation spans 1.5 seconds of real time—a major leap forward in modeling these extreme cosmic events.

Cutting-edge science in action: Using an astonishing 130 million CPU hours, the team modeled complex physics including Einstein’s general relativity, neutrino emissions, and intense magnetic fields. The simulation follows the dramatic evolution from neutron stars spiraling together to the sudden collapse into a black hole, followed by the launch of a powerful jet.

A window into the universe’s messengers: This simulation provides critical predictions about the gravitational-wave signal, neutrino burst, kilonova explosion, and how matter is ejected into space. These insights help scientists better prepare for and interpret future multi-messenger detections—cases where telescopes and detectors capture multiple signals from the same cosmic event.