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Chandra detects X-rays from a star that flares roughly every 113 days

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10 Nov 2026, 5:42 am IST1 min read

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AI-generated illustration of gas flowing from a bright blue star toward a small dark object

Astronomers have detected X-rays for the first time from AT 2016blu, a star that flares roughly every 113 days. The researchers think the flashes occur when a companion draws in material shed by the star. NASA Science said the study, led by Mojgan Aghakhanloo and based on observations by NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory, appeared in The Astrophysical Journal on November 9.

The team recorded 27 episodes of sudden brightening from the massive blue star in the galaxy NGC 4559 between 2012 and June 2026. A flash can look like a supernova, but the star has survived these episodes. Chandra’s earlier observations from 2001 and 2002 yielded no X-ray detection from the source. When the star brightened again in March 2026, Chandra picked up the signal in each of five observing sessions.

The team’s explanation is that material shed by the star falls toward the companion and heats up as the two objects pass close to each other in their orbit. The resulting X-rays are evidence for that process. The observations leave open whether the companion is a neutron star or a black hole.

Cover image is an AI-generated editorial illustration.

Sources and credits

Credit: NASA Science

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