A team of researchers has finally solved the mystery behind strange radio signals that have puzzled scientists for years. Long-period transients (LPTs), which were previously unknown, have been linked to a binary star system composed of a white dwarf and a red dwarf. This discovery challenges current understanding of how stars behave in their final stages of life.
The unusual behavior of these signals led astronomers to investigate the source, and after tracking one signal using the LOFAR telescope network, they pinpointed it to the constellation Ursa Major. Follow-up observations revealed the star system’s unique characteristics, including a close-orbiting duo that circles each other every 125 minutes.
The leading theory suggests that the white dwarf’s powerful magnetic field is responsible for emitting radio waves, similar to a lighthouse beam. Another possibility is that the interaction between the white dwarf’s magnetic field and its red dwarf companion generates the signals. This discovery broadens our understanding of how radio emissions are produced in space and opens new avenues for research.
The finding also marks an important milestone in radio astronomy, as it reveals that white dwarfs can emit strong, repeating signals, unlike previously thought. The result highlights the importance of continued exploration and the potential discovery of more unusual systems like this one.
This breakthrough provides a new window into understanding the quiet but powerful forces at work in our galaxy, offering valuable insights into what happens when stars grow old and magnetic fields collide. As astronomers continue to study these signals, they draw closer to unraveling the hidden rhythms of the Milky Way.
Source: https://dailygalaxy.com/2025/03/astronomers-pinpoint-source-radio-signals