In the vast expanse of space, where stars and celestial objects constantly captivate our curiosity, two enigmatic stars have left astronomers puzzled and fascinated. Meet GLEAM-X J162759.5-523504.3 and GPM J1839-10, the mysterious space blinkers that have been blinking at regular intervals, shedding light on the mysteries of the cosmos.
Discovered by a team of scientists led by Astronomer Natasha Hurley-Walker of Curtin University in Bentley, Western Australia, these celestial objects have defied conventional understanding. They emit radio waves every 20 minutes, a behavior that defies categorization within known stellar objects. Typically, repeating signals originate from pulsars, rapidly rotating neutron stars that emit beams of energy, resulting in their blinking as they face Earth. However, GLEAM-X J162759.5-523504.3 and GPM J1839-10 spin at a significantly slower pace than any known neutron star, adding to the intrigue surrounding them.
The journey into the mysteries of these stars began in 2021 when scientists stumbled upon a slowly repeating radio pulse in archival data from 2018. This fascinating object continued blinking for three months before mysteriously fading away from the skies. The subsequent discovery of GPM J1839-10 in archival data reaching back to 1988 has left astronomers grappling with the question of whether both objects could be the same.
Dubbed a possible “magnetar,” GLEAM-X J162759.5-523504.3 stands out due to its unique behavior. While magnetars are known for emitting pulses every few seconds, GLEAM-X J162759.5-523504.3 bucks this trend, emitting pulses every 18 minutes. This divergence from established norms led the scientific community to ponder the true nature of this celestial wonder.
The intrigue deepened when Astronomer Natasha Hurley-Walker and her team embarked on a three-night observation of the night sky in June 2022 using the Murchison Widefield Array in Western Australia. To their astonishment, they discovered another radio flash every 21 minutes, further adding to the mystery surrounding GPM J1839-10.
While speculations arise, the scientists’ inability to determine the reason behind one object’s short-lived blinking and the other’s persistence over 33 years leaves them astounded. Are GLEAM-X J162759.5-523504.3 and GPM J1839-10 related, or do they represent entirely new classes of stellar objects yet to be discovered?
As the scientific community continues to probe the secrets of these blinking stars, researchers worldwide are eagerly awaiting further insights that might shed light on the origins and characteristics of these enigmatic celestial bodies. Natasha Hurley-Walker’s statement resonates with astronomers around the globe: “We are all still quite amazed and intrigued and baffled.”
As we delve deeper into the vast cosmos, these space blinkers stand as a testament to the unfathomable wonders that continue to surprise and inspire us. The mystery surrounding GLEAM-X J162759.5-523504.3 and GPM J1839-10 serves as a reminder of how much there is left to learn about the boundless universe we call home. As science advances, one can only wonder what new revelations await us beyond the stars.
