The Einstein Probe (EP) space telescope, sent into space in January by China, has identified a transient celestial object exhibiting flickering behavior akin to fireworks, suggesting a potential new type of astronomical phenomenon.
The newly discovered transient object displays spectral and temporal features that don’t match any known types, which could lead to important insights into the universe and extreme physical processes.
These fleeting cosmic “fireworks” may provide crucial information about how celestial bodies form and evolve, making them significant for studying extreme cosmic phenomena, according to ScienceNet, a media outlet affiliated with the Chinese Academy of Sciences.
Newly discovered transient event shows dramatic X-ray flare
The transient event, designated EP240408a, was detected by the EP satellite on April 8. It recorded a powerful X-ray flare that brightened 300 times and lasted just 12 seconds before fading away. The X-ray emissions from this source vanished approximately 10 days later.
According to Yuan Weimin, principal investigator of the EP mission and researcher at the National Astronomical Observatories of CAS, this event is challenging for other X-ray and multi-wavelength telescopes to detect.
“This finding suggests that our previous understanding of transient celestial phenomena may be just the tip of the iceberg,” the Chinese scientist said.
Launched in January, the EP satellite features advanced X-ray detection technology, including two instruments: a Wide-field X-ray Telescope (WXT) and a Follow-up X-ray Telescope. The WXT, inspired by lobster eyes, is designed for simultaneous wide-field observation and focused X-ray imaging.
Since beginning its operations, the EP satellite has identified 60 confirmed transient events, along with many other potential candidates. These include stars, white dwarfs, neutron stars, black holes, supernovae, and gamma-ray bursts. Additionally, the satellite captured X-ray images of the moon in September.
New gamma-ray burst discovery sheds light on black hole formation
The satellite also detected a gamma-ray burst, designated EP240315a, located approximately 25.6 billion light-years away. This finding showcases the satellite’s ability to identify gamma-ray bursts from the distant early universe, offering new insights into the physical processes of stellar collapse that lead to black hole formation and the creation of relativistic jets, according to Yuan.
For Paul O’Brien, head of astrophysics at the University of Leicester’s School of Physics and Astronomy, the EP satellite has proven the importance of wide-field monitoring of the X-ray sky.
“The survey and follow-up capabilities have allowed for the discovery of numerous new X-ray transients and the regular monitoring of known sources. EP’s discoveries show that it is already having a major effect on science.” O’Brien noted.
The satellite is also named “Tianguan,” honoring the ancient Chinese observation of supernova SN1054 in 1054 A.D. This event, recorded during the Song dynasty (960-1279), represents an early contribution to our understanding of the universe.
The supernova was located in the “Tianguan” region of the ancient constellation system and was referred to as the “Tianguan guest star.” Ancient Chinese astronomers used “guest star” to describe bright transient events visible to the naked eye. The supernova’s remnants later became the Crab Nebula.
