Science
Astronomers discover new class of cosmic objects in archival Chandra space telescope data
Researchers identified 84 hypersoft X-ray sources across six galaxies using archival observations collected over nearly two decades.
Latest update: Astronomers identified 84 hypersoft X-ray sources across six galaxies using archival Chandra space telescope observations.
The short version
- Astronomers identified a new class of celestial objects dubbed hypersoft X-ray sources using data from NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory.[NASA News]
- A survey of archival records gathered between 1999 and 2017 revealed 84 of these sources located across six different galaxies.[NASA News · Scientific American]
- Researchers suggest the newly identified phenomena represent compact stellar remnants, though their exact nature remains under investigation.[Scientific American]
Key facts
- Using NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory data, researchers identified a new category of celestial objects designated hypersoft X-ray sources.[NASA News]
- Investigators located 84 hypersoft X-ray sources across six separate galaxies reviewed in the Chandra archive.[NASA News]
- The analyzed dataset was gathered by the Chandra space observatory between 1999 and 2017.[Scientific American]
What remains uncertain
- The precise physical nature of the sources is not fully confirmed, though researchers suggest they are compact remnants of stars.[Scientific American]
Sources
Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.
- Astronomers reveal a new type of celestial object that has been hiding in plain sight for decadesScientific American metered
- NASA’s Chandra Unveils Mysterious X-Ray ObjectsNASA News