Thorne-Żytkow Object

A Thorne-Żytkow Object (TZO) is a rare type of star that forms under specific conditions when a red supergiant star absorbs a neutron star, creating a unique hybrid. This results in a dense, complex structure where the neutron star is engulfed inside the outer layers of the supergiant. As a result, the TZO has unusual properties, such as a different balance of elements and unique energy output compared to regular stars. First proposed by physicists Kip Thorne and Anna Żytkow in the 1970s, these objects are still theoretical, and scientists continue to search for potential examples in the universe.