Neutron stars collide in a kilonova, producing gold and platinum

[Brian G Turner]

A good in-depth piece on the BBC website about the recent observations of gravity waves:
Einstein’s waves detected in star smash

What's especially interesting is an observation of two neutron stars colliding in a "kilonova" resulted in the production of gold and platinum - proving that heavier elements are formed by the more violent events.

 

[Astro Pen]

I learned on heck of a lot in this 15 minute video. I subsequently found Brian's post here and am giving it a leg up again.
I think this is one of the most important astronomical events of the last decade. I have had to unlearn quite a bit of what I thought I knew about the creation of the elements (and by implication life).