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The historical detection of gravitational waves from the binary neutron star merger GW170817 is providing fundamental new insights into the astrophysical site for the creation of the heaviest elements in the cosmos and the equation of state of neutron-rich matter. Shortly after this historical detection, electromagnetic observations of neutron stars together with measurements of the properties of neutron-rich nuclei at terrestrial facilities have placed additional constraints on the dynamics of neutron-rich matter. It is this unique synergy between heaven and earth that is the focus of this article.