What is Curtins second pulsating magnetar?

Published: July 21, 2023, 4:52 a.m.

Earlier this week, Space Connect reported how astronomers at Curtin University followed up their landmark discovery of a pulsating stellar object last year by finding a second.

The team believe it could be an ultra-long period magnetar, a rare type of star with strong magnetic fields that can produce powerful bursts of energy.

Here, Dr Natasha Hurley-Walker, who led the study, talks through the research and reveals how her team used the MWA telescope in Western Australia to spot the object.

Plus, she discusses what comes next and analyses the theories as to exactly what it could be.