Astronomers from the Curtin University node of the International Center for Radio Astronomy Research (ICRAR) have discovered a new type of stellar object that challenges our understanding of the physics of neutron stars. The object could be an ultra-long period magnetar, a rare type of star with extremely strong magnetic fields that can produce powerful bursts of energy. Until recently, all known magnetars released energy at intervals ranging from a few seconds to a few minutes. The newly discovered object emits radio waves every 22 minutes, making it the longest period magnetar ever detected.
A magnetar is a type of neutron star with an extremely powerful magnetic field (∼10 9 to 10 11 T, ∼10 13 to 10 15 G). The magnetic field decay powers the emission of high-energy electromagnetic radiation, particularly X-rays and gamma rays.
The discovery
The object was discovered using the Murchison Widefield Array (MWA), a radio telescope on Wajarri Yamaji Country in outback Western Australia. The magnetar, named GPM J1839−10, is 15,000 light-years away from Earth in the Scutum constellation.
What makes it unique?
The newly discovered object emits radio waves every 22 minutes, making it the longest period magnetar ever detected 1. It emits bursts of energy that last up to five minutes—five times longer than the first object.
What does this mean for neutron star physics?
This remarkable object challenges our understanding of neutron stars and magnetars, which are some of the most exotic and extreme objects in the universe. Neutron stars are incredibly dense objects mainly made up of tightly packed neutrons that form from the collapsed core of a massive star during a supernova.
What sets magnetars apart from other neutron stars is that they also have the most powerful known magnetic fields in the universe. The discovery of this new type of stellar object is an exciting development in our understanding of neutron stars and magnetars. It is also a testament to the power of radio astronomy and the incredible work being done by astronomers around the world.
Conclusion
In conclusion, astronomers from Curtin University have discovered a new type of stellar object that challenges our understanding of neutron star physics. The newly discovered object could be an ultra-long period magnetar, which emits radio waves every 22 minutes—making it the longest period magnetar ever detected. This remarkable object challenges our understanding of neutron stars and magnetars, which are some of the most exotic and extreme objects in the universe.
The discovery is an exciting development in our understanding of neutron stars and magnetars and is also a testament to the power of radio astronomy and the incredible work being done by astronomers around the world.
