Astronomers at the Australian Square Kilometer Array Pathfinder (ASKAP) telescope have made a groundbreaking discovery – an object in the Milky Way galaxy that appears almost perfectly spherical, with a shape that has never been seen before. The object, catalogued as G305.4-2.2, is nicknamed “Teleios” due to its resemblance to perfection in Greek.
Located in the radio spectrum but not visible in light, infrared, or X-rays, Teleios is a gigantic bubble of plasma that measures around 95% round, making it the first “perfect radio circle” to be detected within the Milky Way galaxy. However, this shape poses significant challenges for scientists studying the object, including uncertainties about its distance and diameter.
Researchers are struggling to agree on the object’s distance from Earth, with estimates ranging from 2,200 to 7,700 light years, and its diameter, with measurements of 14 or 47 light years. These discrepancies make dating the star even more complicated.
One theory suggests that Teleios is a “type Ia supernova aftereffect,” but current studies are not conclusive, as the object does not emit X-rays, which would be expected if it were a true supernova aftereffect. Additionally, no dense core, such as a neutron star or black hole, has been detected.
Further study of Teleios is underway, with hopes that the Square Kilometre Array, Australia’s new radio telescope set to come into operation in the next few years, will provide clearer insights into this mysterious object.
Source: https://thinkstewartville.com/2025/06/15/cosmic-mystery-unknown-phenomenon-this-perfect-floating-circle-in-space-is-baffling-scientists