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arXiv · 2602.14300

Production of Jets before Neutron Star Mergers

Praveen Sharma·Slava G. Turyshev·Maxim V. Barkov·Maxim Lyutikov
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Abstract

We demonstrate that magnetospheric interactions between merging neutron stars (NSs) generate dual-jetted current outflows, analogous to the Alfv\'{e}n wings observed during planetary interactions in the Solar System. Using 3D relativistic MHD simulations, we model the interaction as a conducting sphere moving through a highly magnetized plasma of the companion's magnetosphere. Unusually, the interaction operates in a regime that is relativistic yet sub-Alfv\'{e}nic. Electromagnetic draping amplifies magnetic fields in a narrow layer near the stellar surface, leading to the generation of electric currents along the local magnetic field. The generation of beamed outflows enhances the instantaneous power of the pulsar-like radio and high-energy emission, produces spin/orbital modulations, and is likely to lead to observable precursor emission preceding the main gravitational wave event.

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Praveen Sharma, Slava G. Turyshev, Maxim V. Barkov, Maxim Lyutikov. 2026-02-15. Production of Jets before Neutron Star Mergers. https://doi.org/10.3847/1538-4357/ae7c6e

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