Astronomy
The last orbits of two neutron stars
Approach the final contact of two compact stars. Compare gravitational-wave frequency and inspiral time as their masses change.
The model and its limits
Circular Newtonian orbit with leading quadrupole radiation reaction, stopped at 24 km contact. Orbital animation is slowed by a fixed factor of 12.5; the chirp readout uses physical time. No numerical relativity, post-contact remnant or predicted kilonova.
Equations used in the module
Equations da/dt=-K/a³; K=64G³m₁m₂(m₁+m₂)/(5c⁵); f_GW=√[G(m₁+m₂)/a³]/π
