Einstein Probe Reveals Hidden Prolonged Soft X-Ray Phase in Neutron Star Mergers

This discovery challenges existing models of short gamma-ray bursts and neutron star mergers, suggesting many past events had undetected extended emission phases. The findings could improve connections to gravitational-wave detections, reveal properties of ultra-dense matter in merger remnants, and explain some fast X-ray transients. Einstein Probe's unique wide-field soft X-ray capability uncovered physics that previous instruments missed, advancing multi-messenger astronomy and opening new avenues for studying these explosive cosmic events that produce heavy elements like gold.