Astronomers identify new method to detect neutron star collisions through extended X-ray signals

Astronomers may have discovered a novel way to identify collisions between neutron stars, traditionally associated with brief gamma-ray bursts. By investigating an unusual event, EP250704a/GRB 250704B, which produced a much longer X-ray signal, researchers suggest that some mysterious, fast X-ray transients previously detected could actually be hidden neutron-star mergers. The absence of a bright supernova typically accompanying massive star collapse strengthens this interpretation.