Article Summary
Astronomers have discovered a unique star in the Milky Way galaxy that emits both radio waves and X-rays every 44 minutes, making it an exotic member of the “long-period radio transients” class. This is the only known object of its kind to emit X-rays. Its behavior is still a mystery, and researchers have suggested possible explanations, such as it being a magnetar or a white dwarf. Located about 15,000 light-years away, the star’s detection is considered a rare coincidence, as it was caught during its bright phase by the Chandra space telescope.
What This Means for You
- The discovery of this unusual star highlights the ongoing mystery around celestial objects, even within our own galaxy.
- Continued research and observation of this star may potentially reveal more about its unique behavior and unlock key insights about its nature.
- The unique combination of radio and X-ray emissions could represent a new category of celestial objects, adding to our understanding of the universe.
- Stay informed on future findings and updates on this enigmatic star and its potential implications for astronomy and astrophysics.
Astronomers scrutinize a star behaving unlike any other
By Will Dunham
WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Astronomers have spotted a star acting unlike any other ever observed as it unleashes a curious combination of radio waves and X-rays, pegging it as an exotic member of a class of celestial objects first identified only three years ago.
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People Also Ask About
- What are long-period radio transients? A class of celestial objects with bright bursts of radio waves every few minutes to several hours.
- What is a magnetar? A type of neutron star with a strong magnetic field.
- What is a white dwarf? A highly compact stellar ember, the collapsed core of a star after its death.
- How is the X-ray emission detected in this study? It was a rare coincidence, as the Chandra space telescope was pointing at something else but caught the object during its bright phase.
- How far is the newfound star from Earth? It is about 15,000 light-years away, in the direction of the constellation Scutum.
Expert Opinion
“This rare detection of an X-ray emitting long-period radio transient provides a unique opportunity for astronomers to study the nature and behavior of these enigmatic objects, potentially leading to the discovery of new phenomena and insights into the fundamental properties of stars.” – Dr. Nanda Rea, Astrophysicist and study co-author, Institute of Space Sciences in Barcelona.
Key Terms
- Long-period radio transients
- Radio waves
- X-rays
- Magnetar
- White dwarf
- Neutron star
- Chandra space telescope
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