The Digital Press

Astronomers have discovered a unique spinning dead star, dubbed a "cosmic unicorn," that emits unusual radio bursts and is speeding up its spin, challenging existing models of stellar remnants.

Why it matters: CHIME J1634+44's increasing spin defies expectations that dead stars slow down over time, hinting at new astrophysical processes.

The big picture: This discovery expands knowledge of Long Period Radio Transients, suggesting many more strange objects await detection in the universe.

Stunning stat: CHIME J1634+44 emits 100% circularly polarized radio bursts, a phenomenon never before seen in neutron stars or white dwarfs.

Commenters say: Readers express fascination with the star’s unique spin behavior and polarization, debating whether it’s a neutron star or white dwarf binary system.