We demonstrate that magnetospheric interactions between merging neutron stars (NSs) generate dual-jetted current outflows, analogous to the Alfv\'{e}n wings observed during planetary interactions in the Solar System. Using 3D relativistic MHD simulations, we model the interaction as a conducting sphere moving through a highly magnetized plasma of the companion's magnetosphere. Unusually, the interaction operates in a regime that is relativistic yet sub-Alfv\'{e}nic. Electromagnetic draping amplifies magnetic fields in a narrow layer near the stellar surface, leading to the generation of electric currents along the local magnetic field. The generation of beamed outflows enhances the instantaneous power of the pulsar-like radio and high-energy emission, produces spin/orbital modulations, and is likely to lead to observable precursor emission preceding the main gravitational wave event.
@article{arxiv.2602.14300,
title = {Production of Jets before Neutron Star Mergers},
author = {Praveen Sharma and Slava G. Turyshev and Maxim V. Barkov and Maxim Lyutikov},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:2602.14300},
year = {2026}
}