A study published this Monday (1st) in the journal Nature Astronomy offers a concrete explanation for one of the most intriguing cosmic phenomena detected in recent years. Astrônomos have identified the origin of long-period radio pulses in a specific star system in our galaxy. The source, called ASKAP J1745-5051, emits radio and X-ray signals periodically.
The discovery links these slow radio transients to a cataclysmic magnetic variable. Trata is a binary system formed by a highly magnetized white dwarf and a companion star. The work was led by doctoral student Kovi Rose, Universidade of Sydney, at Austrália.
Sistema binary produces emissions every 81 minutes
The ASKAP J1745-5051 object is located in the Via Láctea plane. Observations show that it emits radio bursts and X-ray pulses at intervals of about 81 minutes. Essa periodicity coincides with the orbital period of the two stars.
The white dwarf, a dense stellar remnant the size of Terra but with a mass close to that of Sol, attracts matter from its companion, which is a lower-mass red dwarf. The strong magnetic field directs this material towards the surface of the white dwarf, where it heats up to millions of degrees and generates X-rays. At the same time, the magnetic interaction accelerates particles and creates radio emissions.
- Radio emissions are coherent and highly polarized.
- X-ray pulses also follow the orbital cycle.
- The complete orbit takes approximately 1,368 hours.
- The system presents characteristics of a magnetic cataclysmic variable.
- Observações combines radio, X-ray and optical spectroscopy data.
Essa dynamics explains the slow behavior of the signals, different from known fast pulsars.
Long Period Radio Transientes Intrigue Since 2021
The first signals of this type were detected by radio telescopes a few years ago. Diferente of pulsars, which rotate in fractions of a second, these long-period radio transients (LPTs) repeat pulses in minutes or hours. Cerca of a dozen of them has already been cataloged in Via Láctea.
Interest grew with the GLEAM-X object J162759.5−523504.3, which emitted pulses every 18.18 minutes. Outros similar cases appeared later, which indicated a new class of cosmic sources. Previous Hipóteses pointed to white dwarfs or binary systems, but direct confirmations were lacking.
The identification of ASKAP J1745-5051 changes that. The system brings together radio emissions, X-rays and the typical spectrum of a magnetic cataclysmic. Ele serves as a reference for understanding other similar LPTs.
Observações used ASKAP radio telescope and other instruments
The initial detection came from Australian Square Kilometre Array Pathfinder (ASKAP), operated by the CSIRO on Austrália Ocidental. Seguimentos with MeerKAT, optical telescopes and spectrographs such as SOAR and Magellan confirmed the details.
The data shows that the white dwarf has an intense magnetic field. Ele partially synchronizes the system and guides the flow of matter. Espectros optics revealed strong hydrogen and helium emission lines, hallmarks of this type of object.
The estimated distance varies between 1,300 and 30 thousand light years. Apesar of uncertainty, relative proximity facilitates detailed study.
Descoberta strengthens model of binary magnetic systems
Previous Pesquisas already linked some LPTs to white dwarfs. In 2025, another case associated a transient with a white dwarf and red dwarf with strong magnetic interaction. ASKAP J1745-5051 goes further by showing the accretion process in action.
The mechanism involves the transfer of material from the companion star to the white dwarf. Parte forms a structure guided by magnetism. Collisions and accelerations generate both X-rays and radio bursts.
Essa connection suggests that many of the mysterious signals detected may come from similar systems. The team highlights that the object acts as a “Roseta stone” to decipher the LPT population.
Implicações for understanding cosmic phenomena in the galaxy
The research paves the way for new searches for objects of this type. Radiotelescópios like ASKAP and future Square Kilometre Array instruments can map more systems. Isso helps you estimate how many LPTs there are and how they form.
Astrônomos now has a clear observational model. Ele combines data from multiple wavelengths to identify candidates. The case also reinforces the role of intense magnetic fields in compact systems.
Detalhes system technicians ASKAP J1745-5051
The object was discovered in searches for polarized sources in the RACS-mid survey. The precise position has been refined to 17h45m08.929s -50°51’49.86″. The optical counterpart has an apparent magnitude of about 19.45.
Espectros show blue excess and narrow lines of Balmer and HeI/HeII. The radial velocity varies according to the orbital movement. Radio emissions change frequency in some cases, possibly over a longer beat period.
The system is in a state of active accretion, with X-ray burst observed. Isso differentiates ASKAP J1745-5051 from non-interacting binaries proposed in other LPTs.