For years, astronomers have been scratching their heads over a bizarre phenomenon—radio pulses flashing from deep within our galaxy, like a slow, steady cosmic heartbeat.
The signals, pulsing every two hours, seemed to originate from the Big Dipper’s direction. But what could be causing them?
Now, scientists have their answer.
The pulses come from a rare stellar duo: a dead white dwarf and a cool red dwarf, locked in a tight orbital dance 1,600 light-years away.
What Could Be Causing them?
As they spin around each other, their magnetic fields interact, unleashing what researchers call a “long-period radio transient” (LPT).
Until now, these signals were only linked to neutron stars.
“This is the first time we’ve identified the exact stars behind this mysterious new class of radio pulses,” says Dr. Iris de Ruiter of the University of Sydney.
But here’s the twist: the pulses have vanished.
Scientists believe they might flare up again, and they’re watching closely.
Meanwhile, telescopes worldwide are scouring the skies for more of these strange signals.
Could they unlock new astrophysical secrets? Or—dare we ask—lead to something even more unexpected?
