A rare Odd Radio Circle stuns scientists, revealing the universe’s hidden energies

A still image from the animation of RAD J131346.9+500320. (Image: RAD@home Astronomy Collaboratory)

New discoveries often surprise scientists especially when it comes to events taking place in space. The researchers identified the most powerful odd radio circle (ORC) yet observed. This adds a new puzzle to our understanding of the radio universe.

These rings are a relatively recent astronomical phenomenon, first detected only six years ago. To date, just a handful of confirmed examples exist, most spanning 10–20 times the size of our own Milky Way galaxy.

RAD J131346.9+500320: Breaking Records

The newly discovered ORC, designated RAD J131346.9+500320, is both the most distant and the brightest known to date. With a redshift of around 0.94, astronomers observe it as it appeared when the universe was roughly half its present age. Its distance, scale and luminosity make it an important target for future study.

A Rare Double Ring

What makes this ORC especially intriguing is its rare double ring structure—only the second ever identified. The intersecting rings could provide key insights into how such objects form, perhaps pointing to multiple energetic events within the host galaxy.

Clues to Their Formation

Researchers propose that ORCs may be linked to superwind outflows in spiral galaxies. These can arise from concentrated star formation or active galactic nuclei, driving matter and magnetic fields into the surrounding medium and producing vast circular radio halos.

Expanding the Radio Sky

This discovery holds great promise for upcoming radio surveys. Each new ORC adds to our understanding while raising further questions about the powerful cosmic processes shaping these immense, cloud-like rings.