Astronomers are grappling with a perplexing signal emanating from a distant neutron star, ASKAP J193505.1+214841.0 (ASKAP J1935+2148), located about 15,820 light-years from Earth in the Milky Way’s plane. The enigmatic star emits a series of pulses ranging from strong to weak, interspersed with periods of silence that challenge existing models of neutron star behavior.
An Unprecedented Signal
The peculiar signals from ASKAP J1935+2148 were first detected serendipitously during observations for another project. Follow-up studies using the Australian Square Kilometre Array Pathfinder (ASKAP) and the MeerKAT radio telescope in South Africa revealed a regular 53.8-minute pulsation period. However, the nature of these pulses deviates significantly from known neutron star patterns.
Neutron stars are the remnants of supernova explosions, where the core of a massive star collapses under gravity, forming an incredibly dense object. These stars can present as base neutron stars, pulsars (emitting beams of radio waves), or magnetars (with extremely powerful magnetic fields). Yet, ASKAP J1935+2148 does not fit neatly into any of these categories.
ASKAP J1935+2148’s Unique Behavior
ASKAP J1935+2148 displays three distinct pulsation modes:
•Bright Mode: Characterized by highly linear polarization and intense radio emissions.
•Silent Periods: Intervals with no detectable pulsations.
•Faint Mode: Pulsations are 26 times fainter than the bright mode and exhibit circular polarization.
Implications for Neutron Star Evolution
The unique characteristics of ASKAP J1935+2148 suggest it may bridge different neutron star states, possibly indicating a new class of magnetars. Researchers, led by astrophysicist Manisha Caleb of the University of Sydney, posit that this star could represent an older population of magnetars with long spin periods and low X-ray luminosities, capable of producing coherent radio emissions.
Related Discoveries
ASKAP J1935+2148 isn’t alone in its unusual behavior. Other mysterious objects in the southern sky, such as GLEAM-X J162759.5-523504.3, GPM J1839-10, and GCRT J1745-3009, also emit bizarre signals, hinting at a potentially new class of neutron stars or magnetars.
Understanding ASKAP J1935+2148 could be pivotal in mapping the unexplored regions of neutron star evolution. Caleb and her team emphasize the importance of studying such anomalies to gain a comprehensive understanding of these celestial objects’ life cycles.
The findings have been published in Nature Astronomy, marking a significant step toward unraveling the mysteries of neutron stars and their diverse behaviors.
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