A galactic mystery is flashing every 20 minutes
In short: Astronomers have discovered two objects in our galaxy that emit regular radio pulses with properties that defy current stellar classifications. While they resemble neutron stars, their slow rotation and lack of X-ray signals suggest we may be looking at a completely new type of celestial object.
In 2021, a recurring radio signal was found within 2018 records by Natasha Hurley-Walker and her research group. This source, named GLEAM-X J162759.5-523504.3, emits pulses approximately every 18 to 21 minutes. This is significantly slower than known magnetars, which typically pulse every few seconds. Furthermore, the object possesses an estimated magnetic field much stronger than those previously observed.
The discovery of these objects has challenged existing theories because they lack any associated X-ray signals. In standard models, such high magnetic activity should produce detectable X-rays, but these sources remain silent in that spectrum. While researchers initially suggested the objects might be magnetars—highly magnetic neutron stars formed from supernova explosions—their unique characteristics mean they may represent a new class of stellar object entirely.
The discrepancy between two similar discoveries is particularly baffling. One source was only active for three months before becoming invisible, while another, named GPM J1839–10, has been detected over the course of 33 years. Researchers are currently unable to explain why one would remain active for decades while the other vanished so quickly. These objects continue to be studied as they provide a rare window into extreme physics in our own galaxy.
The research was facilitated by updated detection algorithms and observations using the Murchison Widefield Array in Western Australia, which allowed the team to scan the visible sky every three nights starting in June 2022.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Something Hidden in Our Galaxy Has Been Emitting Radio Waves for 20 Years
- Also: Something in our galaxy is flashing every 20 minutes—but what?
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