Nature never ceases to amaze, continuously revealing astonishing discoveries that challenge our human minds. Among the heavenly marvels are compact objects: neutron stars, black holes, and white dwarfs. These cosmic gems not only captivate our imagination but also serve as invaluable laboratories for extreme physics. In recent years, the detection of gravitational wave signals from the merging of compact object pairs has revolutionized astrophysics, unveiling previously unknown sources of fundamental importance. In this presentation, I will take you on a journey into the exotic nature and origins of these phenomena, shedding light on the key physical processes that govern formation and evolution of compact objects in binary systems. Tailored for a general audience, this presentation will blend historical anecdotes, mind-blowing facts, and reflections on astrophysics at AAU.