Recently, astronomers made a perplexing discovery of a strange radio signal that repeats every hour and cycles through three different states. First detected by the ASKAP radio telescope in Australia, this signal was named ASKAP J1935+2148. The signal repeats every 53.8 minutes but also cycles through three distinct states. These include emitting flashes of light that last between 10 and 50 seconds with linear polarization, where all radio waves point in one direction. At other times, the signal is much weaker with circular polarization, lasting just 370 milliseconds, and at times the signal disappears completely.
Despite initial theories about its origin, scientists have been unable to explain the signal based on current knowledge of physics as reported by New Atlas. Dr. Manisha Caleb, who led the research team, noted the distinct characteristics of the signal and the challenge of explaining its varied states.
According to the research team, the most likely explanation for this strange radio signal is that it originated from a neutron star or a white dwarf. However, these objects do not match what is expected based on their compositions and behavior. Neutron stars emit radio waves regularly and are a prime candidate for this mysterious signal’s source due to their unique magnetic fields and plasma flow interactions. White dwarfs could potentially rotate slowly enough to match the signal’s period but produce complex radio signals with uncertainty due to their low mass and density compared to neutron stars. This discovery raises questions about our understanding of space phenomena and highlights how much more there is left to learn about these fascinating objects beyond our Earthly borders.
Further observation and analysis will be necessary to unravel this enigmatic puzzle surrounding this radio signal from space that defies expectations.
