Astronomers have confirmed the existence of a unique stellar object, an ultra-long period magnetar, challenging current understanding of neutron star physics. The enigmatic object, discovered in 2022, has been emitting radio waves for decades, sparking interest and opening new research avenues in the study of neutron stars and the universe.
The U.S. Naval Research Laboratory’s Very Large Array (VLA) Low-band Ionosphere and Transient Experiment (VLITE) telescope has been instrumental in assisting astronomers confirm findings of a new stellar phenomenon that challenges current scientific understanding of the physics of neutron stars. The object is believed to be an ultra-long period magnetar, a rare type of star with extremely strong magnetic fields that can produce powerful bursts of energy, a finding that was published on July 19 in the journal Nature.
To read more, click here.