Atypical cosmic radio source spins up and defies conventional theories

Atypical cosmic radio source spins up and defies conventional theories
by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Jul 22, 2025
Astronomers have discovered a highly unusual space object named CHIME J1634+44, a Long Period Radio Transient (LPT) exhibiting behavior never before seen in this class of cosmic phenomena. Led by Fengqiu Adam Dong, a Jansky Fellow at the NSF Green Bank Observatory, the research reveals that CHIME J1634+44 is spinning up-its rotation rate is accelerating-contrary to established astrophysical expectations.

LPTs are characterized by their slow spin periods, typically ranging from several minutes to hours. However, CHIME J1634+44's spin period is decreasing, which contradicts the known pattern where neutron stars or white dwarfs slow down over time due to energy loss. The research team believes the object may actually be a close binary system, possibly emitting gravitational waves or undergoing mutual interaction, causing the orbit to shrink and mimicking a spin-up effect.

This LPT also features rare radio wave characteristics. Its emissions are 100% circularly polarized-each burst forms a perfectly spiraling radio wave-a phenomenon not previously observed in neutron stars or white dwarfs. "You could call CHIME J1634+44 a 'unicorn', even among other LPTs," said Dong.

The team utilized a suite of advanced observatories to study the object: CHIME's Fast Radio Burst and Pulsar Project detected the bursts and tracked rotational changes, while the NSF Green Bank Telescope and NSF Very Large Array delivered high-resolution timing and imaging data. Additional data came from NASA's Swift Observatory and the Netherlands-based LOw Frequency ARray (LOFAR). The bursts appear to repeat either every 841 seconds or 14 minutes, with a secondary period of 4,206 seconds-exactly five times longer-indicating a likely binary system.

Dong explained, "The only way to make the timing of the bursts fit together is to assume this spin-up is real, but that doesn't make sense for a lone star." The theory that two closely orbiting objects are behind the observed behavior opens new questions about LPT formation and evolution.

This discovery broadens the current understanding of LPTs and could signal the existence of many more such systems in the cosmos. The novel behavior of CHIME J1634+44 may significantly impact models of neutron stars, white dwarfs, and binary interactions in radio astronomy.