Australian researchers have achieved a significant milestone by identifying an extraordinary interstellar phenomenon. Scientists from the Curtin node of the International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research (ICRAR) in Perth have discovered an unprecedented cosmic signal while studying low-frequency data from the Murchison Widefield Array radio telescope in Western Australia. This newly identified energy pulse, named GLEAM-X J0704-37, emits every three hours, lasting between 30 to 60 seconds, marking it as the longest-period radio transient recorded to date.
Long-period radio transients are a relatively novel category of astrophysical events, characterised by highly polarised radio pulses. The team believes they have traced the source of this signal to a star system located around 5000 light years away in the Puppis constellation, significantly clearer of stellar interference compared to previously detected transients deep within the Milky Way.
Further analysis revealed that the energy is likely produced by a low-mass star, known as an "M dwarf," paired with a white dwarf—a remnant of a dying star. This discovery not only uncovers the potential origin of these mysterious radio waves but also opens avenues for further investigations. The findings were detailed in The Astrophysical Journal Letters, enhancing our understanding of astrophysics and the universe.