A rare cosmic event has left astronomers searching for answers. The explosion, named EP240408a, could be a unique space event. Some believe it’s a lucky alignment of stars. Others think it’s a powerful force never seen before.
Unusual Space Signal Raises Questions
On 8 April 2024, the Einstein Probe spotted the explosion. At first, it seemed like a common gamma-ray burst. However, further observations revealed strange properties. Telescopes worldwide studied it in multiple wavelengths. These included ultraviolet, optical, radio, X-rays, and gamma rays.
Astronomers struggled to match it with known cosmic events. EP240408a flared for ten seconds, then stayed bright. It maintained a glow for four days before fading. This duration was too long for some events, yet too short for others.
An artist's illustration of a tidal disruption event, where a black hole consumes a star. (Image: NASA)
Possible Black Hole and White Dwarf Collision
Scientists suggest a white dwarf was ripped apart. A medium-sized black hole may have caused the explosion. The process created a high-speed jet of material. By chance, this jet could be aimed at Earth.
Despite its brightness, the event lacked expected radio signals. The Very Large Array (VLA) found no emissions. This was checked at 11, 158, and 258 days. Normally, such explosions produce strong radio waves.
One theory suggests the signal is delayed. It may take years for radio waves to appear. If future observations detect them, it may confirm the theory. Otherwise, it could be a new cosmic event entirely.
Still More to Discover
Astronomers remain uncertain about EP240408a's true nature. It could be a tidal disruption event (TDE). These occur when black holes consume stars. Some TDEs emit jets of material into space.
If this is true, it could be the first direct observation of such an event. But if radio waves never appear, astronomers may have found something new. The mystery continues, with more studies planned.
The findings were published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters.
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