Scientists think they saw an asteroid crash into a dead star — and release one of the brightest explosions in the universe

[admin]

Astronomers proposed a new mechanism behind mysterious fast radio bursts (FRBs), and it involves unlucky asteroids crashing into neutron stars.

Scientists think they saw an asteroid crash into a dead star — and release one of the brightest explosions in the universe : Read more

 

[danr2222]

"Because the asteroids are rich in iron, they have a lot of electric charges."

ah!...
huh?
You mean because it has a (relatively) high atomic number, it has a lot of electrons? Maybe, but an examination of the paper's six instances of "iron" (also iron-nickel) reveals no particular role of the electrons or charges, and in any event, it would be irrelevant as to composition, but rather the mass. If you have a kiloton of C-type asteroid and a kiloton of M-type (Fe-Ni rich), what's the significant difference in proton count, hence electrons?

Paul, discounting the neutrons, which has more electrons: a pound of lead, or a pound of feathers?