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Researchers discover rare star system that emits radio signals every 8 minutes
84 points47 comments6.3 average comments/hourSubmitted by giuliomagnifico
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I don't think the title is really accurate- it doesn't emit radio signals every 8 minutes, it emits constantly, but emits along an axis that periodically aligns with our viewing cone.
Comment on Hacker News · 1 direct replies“long-period transients“ What wait, 8mn is a long period? I checked the fastest pulsar observed rotates and “emits” at 716Hz! :shock: That’s ~70.000km/s on the equator given its ~30km diameter :shock: :shock: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PSR_J1748%E2%88%922446ad
Comment on Hacker News · 3 direct repliesIf this thing has been sending repeating signals for what I presume to be a very long time, shouldn't we have already detected it? Or is it that we've always been able to detect this particular signal, but have only just now traced it to its source?
Comment on Hacker NewsWhy would you send signals at a fixed interval? That would instantly label you as a natural phenomena instead of organic intent Make it random, at least receivers would have a harder time identifying intentions
Comment on Hacker News · 1 direct repliesNuke them before it's too late!
Comment on Hacker News · 1 direct repliesSounds like the OnOff star from A Deepness in the Sky by Vernor Vinge. It started with very quick oscillation and eventually settled toward 200 years off, 60 years on (or so). Interesting speculation about what this would do to a developing species/society.
Comment on Hacker News · 1 direct repliesPulsars are usually faster than that I guess.
Comment on Hacker NewsA light shining in the dark forest...
Comment on Hacker NewsAll I got from this is pulsars aren't long period transient stars "because that's why". Seriously, if data doesn't fit the classical definition, you need to update the classical definition.
Comment on Hacker NewsWe are on our way, Carol!
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