Neutron stars are dense remnants of massive stars that have undergone supernova explosions. They are composed mainly of neutrons and are incredibly compact, with densities rivaling atomic nuclei. Studying neutron stars provides insights into matter under extreme conditions not replicable on Earth.

Pulsars, a type of rapidly rotating neutron star, emit beams of electromagnetic radiation that sweep across space like cosmic lighthouses. Their precise pulsations allow scientists to study extreme physics, such as the behavior of matter in ultra-strong magnetic fields and the dynamics of relativistic jets.

Kilonovae are catastrophic events where neutron stars collide, releasing an immense amount of energy and producing gravitational waves and intense electromagnetic radiation. These collisions forge heavy elements like gold and platinum, shedding light on the origins of elements in the universe and confirming theories about neutron star mergers as sources of short gamma-ray bursts.

By observing pulsars and kilonovae, astronomers probe the behavior of matter at densities beyond those found in atomic nuclei and explore the physics of strong gravity, nuclear forces, and exotic states of matter. These phenomena provide critical tests for theories of fundamental physics and offer insights into the dynamics and evolution of neutron stars and their cosmic environments.