Mysterious Signals From Milky Way Galaxy's Centre Are Confusing Scientists

A strange set of radio waves emanating from the centre of Milky Way are confusing scientists. The signals from our galaxy's centre do not give off the characteristics of any known space object.

Researchers from the University of Sydney detected a light formation in Milky Way's centre six times between January and September, 2020.

AFP PHOTO / NATURE / ERIK TOLLERUD

A new type of space object?

Every time the signals were of different size and rotating at a constant rate. No, it's not aliens (that we know of)! Scientists believe that the signals could be coming from a new type of space object, like a new star.

The cluster of signals have been officially named "ASKAP J173608.2?321635", correlating to the object's coordinates in space and the telescope used to detect these signals - the ASKAP VAST (Australian Square Kilometre Array Pathfinder Variables and Slow Transients), a tool appropriate to identify object giving off waves of differing frequencies, like the one identified.

Reuters

Also read: Strange Repetitive Radio Signals Are Coming From Centre Of Milky Way Galaxy

The findings from ASKAP VAST were supported by those recorded by South African MeerKAT telescope, which offered a second look into the cluster of strange signals from the centre of Milky Way.

What are these strange signals?

Based on imaging of these signals, scientists have given potential explanations of the phenomenon. They believe that it could a star of a low mass and low brightness, a magnetar, a pulsar, or a burst of radio activity spotted in the Milky Way's centre - officially called a Galactic Center Radio Transient (GCRT).

Even then, scientists are not sure. The object gives off mixed signals. For instance, it lacks the infrared wavelengths to qualify as a low-mass star, and doesn't have x-ray waves to be a magnetar. Sure, it could be a GCRT - another mystery scientists have struggled to solve over decades.

Reuters

Also read: There's A 'Break' In One Of Milky Way's Spiral Arms. Here's Why It's A Big Deal

We won't know until we do, but the study's authors believe the object could be a new class of space objects that are detectable through radio imaging surveys.

If that turns out to be true, a new line of study within astronomy could grow from these findings.

What do you think is causing these strange radio signals to emanate from the Milky Way's centre? Let us know in the comments section below. For the latest in the world of science and technology, keep reading Indiatimes.com.