Chandra finds a likely companion behind a star’s repeating outbursts
X-ray observations point to a black hole or neutron star orbiting AT 2016blu.
Astronomers using NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory have found evidence for a hidden companion to a massive star about 30 million light-years away. The star, called AT 2016blu, brightens roughly every 113 days.
Researchers think a black hole or neutron star draws material from the star as the pair orbit each other. The team has recorded at least 27 optical bursts since 2012. Chandra's X-ray observations give astronomers a separate clue to what powers them.
The star's flares can resemble a supernova, yet the star survives and brightens again. The researchers identified two possible types of companion and have yet to distinguish between them.