The identified binary system comprises a dense white dwarf that orbits alongside an active G-type companion. To trace the orbital motion and verify the pulse origin, scientists processed more than 100 hours of observational radio data at the Pawsey Supercomputing Research Centre. The investigation demonstrated that the pulses stem directly from the dead star itself or its immediate vicinity. Furthermore, the dead star was observed traveling behind a massive stellar prominence, which exposed violent magnetic storms and flares erupting from the companion star.
Key points
This discovery represents the first detection of long-period radio signals emerging from…: This discovery represents the first detection of long-period radio signals emerging from a white dwarf paired with a Sun-like star.
Lead author Dr. Sam McSweeney confirmed the radio pulses originate either near the white…: Lead author Dr. Sam McSweeney confirmed the radio pulses originate either near the white dwarf or directly from it.
The research reveals extreme magnetic storms and flares that help explain the mechanics d…: The research reveals extreme magnetic storms and flares that help explain the mechanics driving rare long-period transients.
Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1
- Date:
- November 15, 2026
- Source:
- International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research
- Summary:
- Scientists have discovered a strange stellar pair more than 5,000 light-years away, where a dead star spinning every eight minutes produces mysterious radio pulses while orbiting a Sun-like star. The breakthrough also revealed massive magnetic storms on the companion star, offering fresh clues to one of astronomy's emerging mysteries.
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Astronomers have traced mysterious radio signals to an unusual pair of stars more than 5,000 light-years from Earth. One is a dead star that rotates every eight minutes, while its companion closely resembles our own Sun.
The discovery was made by researchers at the Curtin University branch of the International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research (ICRAR). Their findings reveal a previously unseen combination of stars producing radio pulses and offer new clues about the origins of some of the Milky Way's most puzzling signals.
The stellar system, designated GPM J071507−114153, contains a white dwarf and a G-type star orbiting one another. A white dwarf is the extremely dense remnant of a…
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