Astrophysicists from the University of Diego Portales and the Max Planck Institute have discovered a new type of space object called "Punctum," observable only at millimeter wavelengths and exhibiting an unusually organized magnetic field. This compact, bright light spot appeared when researchers switched to polarization techniques, revealing it amidst a field of stars and a central black hole.
Punctum exists within the nearby galaxy NGC 4945, known for its active star formation, leading the team to speculate it could be a type of star or related phenomenon. However, it resists classification and defies existing astrophysical wisdom, disappearing under different observational methods like X-ray astronomy.
The object’s unique brightness and polarization raise further questions about its nature and potential connections to black holes or neutron stars. The team aims to study its magnetic environment more closely to uncover the forces at play. They assert that this discovery exemplifies the universe’s capacity to surprise and highlights the ongoing journey of astronomical exploration.
Research papers on Punctum are set to be published in Astronomy & Astrophysics and are available on arXiv.
