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Mysterious Radio Signal From Space Baffles Astronomers
A mysterious radio signal, known as GPM J1839-10, has been detected by the Murchison Widefield Array every 22 minutes for 35 years. Astronomers are baffled by the signal’s origin and its consistent pattern. The signal is thought to be coming from a neutron star, but its exact nature remains a mystery.
What is GPM J1839-10?
GPM J1839-10 is a radio signal that was first detected in 1988 by the Murchison Widefield Array (MWA) in Western Australia. The signal is characterized by its extremely regular pattern: it emits a burst of radio waves every 22 minutes, with a duration of about 30 seconds. The signal is also very strong, and it can be detected even from Earth.
Possible Explanations
Astronomers have proposed several theories to explain the origin of GPM J1839-10. One possibility is that the signal is coming from a neutron star, a highly dense object that is left behind after a star explodes as a supernova. Neutron stars are known to emit radio waves, and some of them have been observed to have regular pulsations. However, the 22-minute period of GPM J1839-10 is much longer than the pulsation periods of known neutron stars.
Another possibility is that the signal is coming from a white dwarf, a smaller and less dense object than a neutron star. White dwarfs are also known to emit radio waves, but they are typically much fainter than neutron stars. It is therefore unlikely that a white dwarf would be able to produce a signal as strong as GPM J1839-10.
A third possibility is that the signal is not coming from a natural source at all, but rather from an artificial source, such as a spacecraft or a satellite. However, no known spacecraft or satellite has been observed to emit a signal with the characteristics of GPM J1839-10.
Ongoing Research
Astronomers are continuing to investigate the origin of GPM J1839-10. They are using a variety of telescopes and instruments to study the signal in more detail. They are also trying to identify other sources of radio waves in the vicinity of GPM J1839-10, in order to rule out any possible interference.
The discovery of GPM J1839-10 has sparked a renewed interest in the search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI). Some astronomers believe that the signal could be a sign of an advanced civilization, although there is no evidence to support this claim. However, the mystery of GPM J1839-10 is a reminder that there is still much that we don’t know about the universe, and that there are still many mysteries to be solved.
Conclusion
GPM J1839-10 is a mysterious radio signal that has baffled astronomers for over 30 years. Its origin and nature remain unknown, and it continues to be a subject of ongoing research. The discovery of this signal is a reminder of the vastness and complexity of the universe, and it highlights the importance of continued exploration and discovery.