The first detection of a neutron star merger occurred in 2017.
Notes on verification
Well-documented event (GW170817) confirmed by LIGO/Virgo and multiple electromagnetic observations, corroborated by peer-reviewed publications and official agency releases.
Sources
- Highly accurate measurement of symmetry energy in nickel isotopes advances nuclear models | CNRS Nucléaire & Particules (in2p3.cnrs.fr)
- https://www.ligo.caltech.edu/news/ligo20171016 (ligo.caltech.edu)
- https://www.nasa.gov/press-release/nasa-missions-catch-first-light-from-a-gravitational-wave-event (nasa.gov)