Production of Jets before Neutron Stars’ Mergers

We demonstrate that magnetospheric interaction of inspiralling neutron stars (NSs) generates precursor structures with dual-jetted current outflows, analogous to the Alfven wings observed at various locations of planetary interactions in the Solar system. Using 3D relativistic MHD simulations, we model the interaction of merging NSs as a conducting sphere moving through the highly magnetized plasma of the companion. The interaction is necessarily dissipative, as electromagnetic draping amplifies magnetic fields and concentrates currents in a narrow layer near the stellar surface, creating sites for dissipation and particle acceleration. In the case of merging NSs, the interaction can proceed in a relativistic, yet sub-Alfv´enic regime. Generation of beamed outflows enhances instantaneous power and is likely to lead to observable precursor emission to the main gravitational waves event.