Dead star's pulses reveal secrets of its sun-like companion

NewsMystery radio signal repeats every 8 minutes. Astronomers may finally know whyAstronomers have traced mysterious radio signals repeating about every eight minutes to a rare system roughly 5,000 light-years from Earth. The system contains a white dwarf, the remains of a dead star, and a star similar to our sun. AFP/Getty ImagesAFP/Getty ImagesAstronomers have tracked a mysterious radio signal that flashes from deep space about every eight minutes, and they now think they know what is behind it. The signal comes from an unusual pair of stars about 5,000 light-years away, according to new research on the system from the International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research. The system, called GPM J071507−114153, includes a white dwarf, the dense remains of a dead star, orbiting a star similar to our sun. Gizmodo reports astronomers detected 214 radio pulses from the system between December 2024 and September 2025.The signals are known as long-period radio transients. Unlike the rapid signals produced by some other objects in space, these mysterious bursts can repeat minutes or even hours apart. Scientists have identified only about a dozen examples since astronomers began focusing on them, according to research on the signals published by Phys.org. This discovery stands out because researchers traced the pulses to the area around the white dwarf. It is also the first time such radio pulses have been detected from a white dwarf paired with a sun-like star, according to Discover Magazine’s report. The radio pulses also gave scientists an unexpected look at the other star. The Conversation reports the signals helped researchers study the star’s activity, including stellar flares and magnetic loops from thousands of light-years away.And despite the science-fiction feel, researchers are not pointing to aliens. Astronomers are studying the system as a natural stellar phenomenon that could help explain other mysterious signals. Gizmodo reports the discovery could offer clues about radio pulses and this unusual class of cosmic objects.Chris Pugh covers trending news and national breaking stories, focusing on the moments, conversations, and cultural flashpoints shaping the national news cycle. Chris worked as a digital reporter for...This article was produced with assistance from AI tools and reviewed by Cleveland.com staff.