About a year ago astronomers reported the discovery of an object that defied the laws of physics. This object, similar to a pulsar, emitted regular radio signals with intervals of over 20 minutes, a rotation too slow for known mechanisms to generate radio signals.
Recently, the same research team, in collaboration with new colleagues, reported a new mysterious discovery. The object, known as ASKAP J193505.1+214841.0, emits radio signals every hour with varying strengths and even periods where signals disappear. The nature of this object remains unclear, raising questions about its categorization compared to the previously discovered anomalous object.
Pulsars, which are neutron stars, do not actually pulsate. The illusion of pulsation is created by misaligned magnetic poles that produce constant radio signals. As the neutron star rotates, these signals appear to pulse, similar to a lighthouse beam if Earth intersects the path of the signal.
To emit radio signals, a neutron star must rotate at a significant speed. If the rotation is too slow, the magnetic field is not strong enough to generate radio signals. It is believed that eventually, a pulsar will cease emitting radio signals entirely as its rotation slows down.
Unusual Find
The discovery of ASKAP J193505.1+214841.0 was accidental, observed by the Australian Square Kilometre Array Pathfinder telescope while monitoring a gamma-ray burst. The telescope detected a strong radio signal in the same area but unrelated to the gamma-ray burst. Further analysis revealed varying strength signals, with some signals being significantly weaker. Historical data even showed faint signals from the region.
Researchers determined that the object emits signals every 54 minutes, with signal durations ranging from 10 seconds to nearly a minute. However, there were instances where the 54-minute cycle ended without a signal, suggesting possible intermittent radiation gaps.
The peculiar differences in photon polarization between strong and weak signals indicate diverse conditions in the signal’s origin due to magnetic field fluctuations. The object exhibits three modes: strong pulses, weak pulses, and a