How do gravitational waves help us understand the composition and life cycle of neutron stars?

Since their first detection in 2015, gravitational waves have opened a new frontier in the field of astronomy, allowing scientists to explore cosmic events beyond the capabilities of traditional electromagnetic observations. These ripples in spacetime, produced by cataclysmic events such as the collision of neutron stars, offer valuable insights into the dense, enigmatic objects that are neutron stars. By studying the characteristics of gravitational waves, astronomers can glean information about the mass, spin, and even the internal structure and composition of neutron stars, potentially revealing the mysteries of matter under extreme conditions. Understanding these dense remnants of supernova explosions furthers our knowledge about the life cycle of stars, the production of heavy elements, and the fundamental physics governing the universe. How does the study of these stellar remnants through gravitational waves transform our perception of their role and evolution in the cosmos?