Chandra uncovers 'hypersoft X-ray sources' that may solve two astrophysical puzzles

Chandra X-ray Observatory scientists discovered a new class of objects, called "hypersoft X-ray sources," that emit unusually low-energy X-rays but intense ultraviolet radiation. These objects were found in six galaxies, including M31 and M101, and are believed to be related to binary systems where a black hole, neutron star, or white dwarf pulls material from a companion star. The sources are not easily detected by X-ray telescopes due to the absorption of high-energy ultraviolet radiation by interstellar gas. The discovery may help solve two astrophysical puzzles: the formation of Type Ia supernovae and the stripping of electrons from gas between stars.

• The team found 84 hypersoft X-ray sources in the six galaxies they studied.
• These sources are located in both regions of active star formation and areas with older stars.
• The sources emit low-energy X-rays but high-energy ultraviolet radiation, which is not easily detected by X-ray telescopes.

The discovery suggests that there may be large populations of binary systems with energetic ultraviolet radiation that have been undetected until now. These systems could be responsible for the intense ultraviolet radiation and low-energy X-rays observed. The findings are featured in a paper published in Nature Astronomy. The study's lead author, Mustafa Muhibullah, noted that these sources are among the most energetic objects in galaxies and could help solve two cosmic mysteries.

The study's co-author, Jimmy Irwin, mentioned that finding Type Ia supernova progenitors before they explode would be important for understanding the expansion of the universe. The hypersoft X-ray sources may also explain the stripping of electrons from gas between stars, which affects star formation and galaxy evolution. The discovery was made by analyzing the Chandra archive, which contains publicly available data, and by eliminating a blind spot for telescopes due to the absorption of high-energy ultraviolet radiation by interstellar gas.

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