Unprecedented Discovery: CSIRO Telescope Observes Rare Activity from Nearby Magnetar
Enter XTE J1810-197, a magnetar - a type of neutron star with the most intense magnetic fields known to exist. Located a mere 8,000 light years away from Earth, this celestial body has recently caught the attention of scientists due to its unprecedented behavior.
In a study published in Nature Astronomy, Dr. Marcus Lower and his team unveiled the bizarre radio signals emanating from this dormant star. Instead of the expected polarised light, XTE J1810-197 is emitting circularly polarised light, creating a mesmerizing spiral effect as it traverses through space.
Dr. Lower expressed his astonishment, stating, "Unlike the radio signals we've seen from other magnetars, this one is emitting enormous amounts of rapidly changing circular polarisation. We had never seen anything like this before." Such an unexpected revelation has sparked a wave of curiosity among researchers worldwide.
Dr. Manisha Caleb from the University of Sydney, a co-author on the study, highlighted that this discovery offers a unique glimpse into the intricate physics of intense magnetic fields and the complex environments surrounding magnetars.
The team's observations hint at a superheated plasma above the magnetar's magnetic pole, acting as a polarising filter. This phenomenon has intrigued scientists, with further investigations needed to unravel the mystery of how precisely the plasma is creating this peculiar effect.
XTE J1810-197 was not always in the spotlight; it made its radio signal debut back in 2003 before falling silent for over a decade. Its signals were reignited in 2018 by the University of Manchester's Lovell telescope and swiftly followed up by Murriyang, CSIRO's Parkes telescope, which has been pivotal in monitoring the magnetar's radio emissions ever since.
Equipped with a cutting-edge ultra-wide bandwidth receiver, Murriyang offers unparalleled precision in measuring celestial objects such as magnetars. Developed by CSIRO engineers, this receiver's sensitivity to changes in brightness and polarisation across a broad spectrum of radio frequencies has been instrumental in these groundbreaking observations.
Studying magnetars like XTE J1810-197 provides a gateway to understanding a myriad of extraordinary phenomena, ranging from plasma dynamics to bursts of X-rays and gamma-rays, and even potentially shedding light on fast radio bursts – a cosmic enigma that continues to baffle scientists.
As we delve deeper into the mysteries of the cosmos, each discovery like this opens new doors to understanding the intricate tapestry of the Universe, showcasing the boundless wonders that lie beyond our planet's borders.
Source: https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1040108
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