Astronomers have detected a peculiar celestial object exhibiting unprecedented behaviour in deep space.
The star, designated ASKAP J1832, lies approximately 15,000 light years from Earth and is transmitting mysterious signals at regular intervals.
The star simultaneously broadcasts both radio waves and X-rays at precisely timed 44-minute intervals.
The discovery was made using data from Nasa's Chandra X-ray Observatory and Australia's Square Kilometre Array Pathfinder radio telescope.
Astronomers have detected a peculiar celestial object exhibiting unprecedented behaviour in deep space
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The celestial body has been classified as a "long period radio transient", meaning it transmits radio waves at varying intensities across extended timeframes.
According to Nasa, this combination of characteristics is "unlike anything astronomers have seen in the Milky Way galaxy."
The simultaneous emission of both radio waves and X-rays at identical intervals sets this object apart from all previously documented stellar phenomena.
The research team analysed extensive data from both space-based and ground-based observatories to confirm these unusual emission patterns.
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The star simultaneously broadcasts both radio waves and X-rays at precisely timed 44-minute intervals
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Their findings reveal a cosmic object that defies conventional astronomical categories.
Scientists are currently investigating the true nature of ASKAP J1832, with two primary theories emerging.
The object could be a magnetar - a neutron star possessing an extraordinarily powerful magnetic field - that has existed for over 500,000 years.
researchers suggest it might be an atypical white dwarf star orbiting with a companion star
GettyAlternatively, researchers suggest it might be an atypical white dwarf star orbiting with a companion star.
Both possibilities would represent significant astronomical discoveries, though each would require different explanations for the object's unique emission patterns.
The team continues to analyse data from multiple observatories as they work to determine which theory best explains this enigmatic stellar phenomenon.
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