Astronomers using the ASKAP radio telescope detected a radio signal from an unusual neutron star. These objects are formed after some supernova explosions. When a massive star is compressed under the influence of its own gravity, it explodes as a supernova, leaving only an ultradense object – a neutron star. Some of them rotate around their axis at a very high speed, emitting radio waves.
Sometimes such stars can make hundreds of revolutions per second. However, according to a study published in the journal Nature Astronomy, scientists have for the first time discovered a neutron star with an extremely slow rotation rate, challenging existing theories.
The new neutron star, named ASKAP J1935+2148, has an orbital period of 53.8 minutes. It exhibits different states of radio emission: an intense pulse of radio waves lasting from 10 to 50 seconds, a much weaker pulse lasting 370 milliseconds, and periods of no activity.
The authors of the study note that this discovery is incredibly unique, because the neutron star emits radio waves in such an atypical way. Astronomers are particularly impressed by the fact that the radio signal repeats with such a low frequency. According to them, between two pulses of radio radiation, which differ from each other, there is a period of rest. Scientists assume that this is due to changes in the source of radio radiation.
The authors of the study note that the three different states of radio radiation have completely different properties. If these radio signals did not come from the same place in space, it would be possible to assume that they are completely different objects.
Astronomers still do not fully understand the mechanism of radio emission by neutron stars. Existing theories partially explain their behavior, but the new object challenges these notions.
Scientists admit that they may not be dealing with a neutron star. Although this is the most likely explanation, they are considering other possibilities.
One such option is a white dwarf with an unusual magnetic field. White dwarfs are the remnants of Sun-like stars that did not have enough mass to explode as supernovae. Although astronomers have not yet discovered white dwarfs with a very strong magnetic field, such objects could theoretically exist.
Another possibility is a binary system consisting of two neutron stars or two white dwarfs.
These alternative hypotheses emphasize the difficulty of interpreting the new data and the need for further research. To clarify this mystery, scientists plan to conduct additional observations.
The authors of the study note that the new discovery may change our understanding of the nature of neutron stars or white dwarfs, in particular, the mechanisms of their radio emission. In addition, scientists seek to find out how many such unusual objects exist in our galaxy.
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News agencies contributed to this report, edited and published by ORDO News editors.
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