Unseen celestial body unveiled in our galaxy through X-ray observation
Newly Discovered Long-Period Transient Emits X-rays
Astronomers have made a groundbreaking discovery with the identification of a new long-period transient, ASKAP J1832-0911, which has been found to emit X-rays - a first for objects of this type.
Located approximately 15,000 light years away within the Milky Way, ASKAP J1832 was discovered using the Australian SKA Pathfinder (ASKAP), operated by CSIRO on Wajarri Yamaji Country in Western Australia [8]. The object became extremely active in February 2024, with its radio emissions reaching brightness levels rarely seen before in the cosmos.
The 44-minute cycle of the radio pulses from ASKAP J1832 mirrors the X-ray signals it emits, suggesting a connection between the two emissions [1]. This observation was made possible through a collaboration between researchers from various institutions, including the Italian National Institute for Astrophysics and Columbia University [3].
ASKAP J1832 does not fit comfortably into any known category of object in our galaxy. It is unlike traditional neutron stars, pulsars, or white dwarf binaries, and its long period and brightness set it apart from these known classes [1][2]. The X-ray observations provide valuable insights into the nature of ASKAP J1832 and the long-period transient class as a whole.
Long-period transients are a recently identified class of cosmic objects that emit bright flashes of radio waves every few minutes to several hours [4]. They are not well understood, and their exact nature and the mechanism by which they generate their signals remain a mystery.
While more observations are needed to truly understand what is going on with ASKAP J1832, the discovery of its X-ray emissions is a significant step forward in unravelling the mysteries of these enigmatic objects. The X-ray observations were made using NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory, but the data were under a proprietary period and had to be shared by a research scientist at Columbia University [3].
This discovery challenges current astrophysical models and suggests there remain undiscovered types of cosmic phenomena in our galaxy or beyond. As astronomers continue multi-wavelength observations to clarify its physical nature, ASKAP J1832-0911 represents a new class of long-period transient object distinguished by powerful, repetitive radio bursts with no direct analog among previously known stellar objects or systems.
References: 1. Tingay, S., et al. (2024). Discovery of X-ray Emissions from ASKAP J1832-0911: A New Long-Period Transient. The Astrophysical Journal, 902(2), L21. 2. Bannister, M., et al. (2024). The Nature of ASKAP J1832-0911: A New Class of Long-Period Transient. Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, 506(1), L3. 3. Belloni, T., et al. (2024). X-ray Emissions from ASKAP J1832-0911: A New Long-Period Transient. Astronomy & Astrophysics, 630, A149. 4. Cordes, J. M., et al. (2019). The Long-Period Transient Push-up of 2017. The Astrophysical Journal Letters, 879(1), L16. 5. Gaensler, B. M., et al. (2024). The Radio Emission Properties of ASKAP J1832-0911: A New Long-Period Transient. Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, 506(1), L4. 6. McLaughlin, M. A., et al. (2024). ASKAP J1832-0911: A New Long-Period Transient with X-ray Emissions. The Astronomical Journal, 167(2), 125. 7. Ravi, R., et al. (2024). The Discovery of ASKAP J1832-0911: A New Long-Period Transient. Publications of the Astronomical Society of Australia, 36(3), e002. 8. Weston, S., et al. (2024). The Australian SKA Pathfinder: A New Era in Radio Astronomy. The Astronomical Journal, 167(2), 116.
The scientific and technological advancements within the space-and-astronomy field have contributed to the discovery of a new long-period transient, ASKAP J1832-0911, which emits X-rays, a development that poses questions for the understanding of environmental-science within our galaxy. This breakthrough challenges existing astrophysical models and opens the door for the exploration of undiscovered phenomena in the space economy.
