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Space
Space
Science
Robert Lea

Newfound dead star spins record-breaking 716 times a second, explodes with thermonuclear blasts

A bright blue sphere the upper right limb of which is consumed in a blue flash of light.

Astronomers have discovered a "dead star" neutron star is spinning at an incredible 716 times a second, making it the joint fastest-spinning cosmic body ever seen. Not only this, but the neutron star's surface is also erupting with explosions as powerful as detonating atomic bombs.

The team discovered the extreme stellar remnant using NASA's X-ray telescope Neutron star Interior Composition Explorer (NICER), which is mounted on the exterior of the International Space Station (ISS).

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