Hubble Telescope Tracks Neutron Star with Unknown Origin
NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope has detected a rogue magnetar, SGR 0501+4516, with an unusual origin story. Unlike most known magnetars, which are typically born from powerful supernova explosions, this one appears to have a different genesis. It was first spotted in 2008 by NASA’s Swift Observatory as a source of intense gamma-ray flashes on the outskirts of the Milky Way.
Magnetars, composed entirely of neutrons, are among the most magnetic objects in the universe. According to Ashley Chrimes, lead author of a study published on April 15, the magnetic field of a magnetar can exceed Earth’s by over a trillion times. With such intensity, it could erase credit cards from a great distance and tear apart human atoms if one ventured too close. Originally, scientists believed SGR 0501+4516 emerged from a nearby supernova remnant known as HB9. However, more recent observations raised doubts.
Tracking a Magnetar’s Journey
Using Hubble’s high-precision instruments in tandem with ESA’s Gaia spacecraft, researchers tracked the magnetar’s motion across the galaxy. Over time, they noticed discrepancies in its location and movement. These clues suggested it did not originate from HB9 or any other nearby stellar remnants.
Instead, its movement revealed a long history of solitary travel. Scientists retraced its trajectory over nearly a millennium and found no clear supernova remnants or star clusters that matched its path. Because of this, they now believe it may have formed through an alternative process known as accretion-induced collapse.
Clues to Cosmic Radio Mysteries
This magnetar may hold vital clues to solving the mystery of fast radio bursts (FRBs). These powerful but brief radio signals have puzzled astronomers for years. Now, NASA believes this type of magnetar, formed outside traditional stellar explosions, might be responsible for some of them.
To confirm these findings, researchers plan additional Hubble observations. They aim to better understand how such magnetars form and how they influence ancient stellar populations. As studies progress, this discovery could help reshape our understanding of the universe’s most magnetic phenomena.
