A mysterious radio signal has been received from throughout the galaxy, and astronomers are scratching their heads to discover its origins. This signal comes from a neutron star called ASKAP J193505.1+214841.0 (or ASKAP J1935+2148 for short), located in the plane of the Milky Way, about 15,820 light years from Earth1 but what really makes this signal amazing is what irregular behavior.
Neutron stars are the remnants of supernova explosions. At 2.3 times the mass of our sun, these high-density objects can take on a variety of forms. Basic neutron stars, pulsars (which emit a beam of radio waves as they orbit), and magnetic (neutron stars with very strong magnetic fields). However, ASKAP J1935+2148 defies classification
Here’s what we know.
- Pulsation Mystery: ASKAP J1935+2148 pulse with regular 53.8 minutes, but its vibration behaves abnormally. Sometimes it shines brightly, and sometimes it’s completely dark. The star also switches between linear and circular polarization, which is very different for any known neutron star.
- Challenging Models: Astrophysicists led by Manisha Caleb of the University of Sydney agree that our current models of neutron star evolution cannot explain the behavior of ASKAP J1935+2148 This puzzle fills us we reevaluate our understanding of this cosmic memory.
- Repeating Signals: Not limited to ASKAP J1935+2148. In recent years recurring signals have been introduced into the southern sky, adding to the cosmic mystery.
While we wait for more observations and analysis, one thing is clear: ASKAP J1935+2148 has thrown a long-range cosmic ball that challenges our theories of neutron stars and the universe. As scientists continue to explore its mysteries, the strange pulsing of radio signals in the vastness of space continues to fascinate us.
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