Astronomers trace record-breaking energy burst to binary star system with red dwarf and white dwarf

Astronomers have identified a record-breaking energy burst, GLEAM-X J0704-37, from a binary star system with a red dwarf and a white dwarf. This discovery resolves a 20-year mystery about long-period radio transients. The energy bursts occur every three hours and last 30 to 60 seconds. The source is located 5,000 light-years away, making it easier to study than previous transients, which were obscured by nearby stars. Using the MeerKAT telescope and the Southern Astrophysical Research Telescope, researchers confirmed the red dwarf's presence and its likely companion, a white dwarf. They propose that strong magnetic fields in the system generate the observed radio emissions.