Breakthrough : Quantum physics gives insights into neutron star 'glitches'

Astrophysicists and quantum physicists achieve breakthrough in understanding neutron star glitches, where spins of dead stars suddenly accelerate. Glitches may be caused by vortices of swirling inner material breaking the surface of neutron stars. The team used ultracold dipolar atoms as a proxy to simulate neutron star behavior, revealing that superfluid vortices contribute to glitching. Further research will explore the glitch mechanism and its dependence on supersolid material quality. Study enhances understanding of neutron stars and opens new avenues in quantum simulation.