‘Dead star or something new’: Mysterious object found in Milky Way emits X-rays and radio waves every 44 minutes

Astronomers have discovered a highly unusual object within the Milky Way that emits both X-rays and radio waves in a synchronized cycle roughly every 44 minutes. The object, named ASKAP J1832−091, was first identified during a period of heightened activity using NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory, and its peculiar behavior has scientists intrigued.

A Puzzling Celestial Phenomenon

ASKAP J1832−091 is located around 15,000 light-years away in a dense region of the galaxy rich in stars, gas, and dust. What makes this object remarkable is its coordinated emission of X-rays and radio signals in regular bursts—a pattern never observed before in any known Galactic object.

The discovery, published in Nature, suggests that ASKAP J1832−091 could be a highly magnetized dead star, such as a neutron star or white dwarf. However, researchers also acknowledge that it may represent an entirely new and exotic class of object, prompting a reexamination of existing astrophysical classifications.

Discovery by Chance

The X-ray signals were detected by chance in 2023, while Chandra was observing a nearby supernova remnant—the remains of an exploded star. During this period, the object entered a hyperactive state that lasted about a month, emitting strong signals before falling silent. Interestingly, it’s unclear whether the object is connected to the nearby remnant due to uncertainty in its exact distance.

Lead researcher Ziteng Andy Wang from Curtin University called the detection of X-rays from such a long-period radio transient “a first” and a major step forward in understanding these elusive phenomena.

What This Means for Astronomy

The discovery challenges long-standing theories and hints that many more such objects could be lurking undetected in the galaxy. According to Wang, “We’re either witnessing a completely new kind of cosmic object or seeing a known one behave in a way never documented before.” The findings reinforce the importance of space-based observatories like Chandra, which orbits Earth and captures high-energy X-ray emissions from distant cosmic environments. Continued observations of ASKAP J1832−091 and similar objects may offer fresh insights into stellar evolution and the complex dynamics of our universe. Astronomers plan to monitor this object further using a combination of radio and X-ray telescopes to better understand its nature—and perhaps uncover more like it.