Portuguese 
English 
Spanish 
4 min of reading 
0 comments 
Traveling at 177,000 km/h, “Zombie Star” Detected in the Milky Way Has a Gravitational Field So Intense It Could Disintegrate Human Atoms in Seconds, Warn Astronomers.
An impressive discovery has just been published in the scientific journal Astronomy & Astrophysics: astronomers observed a zombie star crossing the Milky Way at an astonishing speed of 177,000 km/h. This is the magnetar SGR 0501+4516, identified with the help of NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope and ESA’s Gaia probe.
This colossal speed, combined with the extreme properties of this type of star, places SGR 0501+4516 as one of the most intriguing and potentially dangerous objects ever detected in our galaxy.
What Is a Zombie Star?
The term “zombie star” is used to refer to magnetars — highly dense remnants of supermassive stars that exploded as supernovae. Unlike conventional stars, magnetars have magnetic fields so intense that they can destroy atomic structures if approached at a relatively close distance.
-
Seen from space, a colossal volcano nearly 5,000 meters high in Russia has released 1,600 km of smoke over the Pacific, forming “devil’s horns” of lava and revealing the brutal force of the Ring of Fire.
-
Expedition 501: Scientists drill into the ocean floor and discover a giant reserve of fresh water hidden beneath the sea, extracting nearly 50,000 liters and revealing an invisible system that could reshape the map of water scarcity.
-
Archaeologists find an intact tomb over 2,500 years old, with more than 100 preserved objects, weapons, jewelry, and human remains never touched.
-
Volcanic lava transforms into threads as fine as human hair that travel over 30 kilometers by wind and fall like cutting rain on roofs and backyards in Hawaii and Iceland.
In the case of SGR 0501+4516, its magnetic force is about one trillion times more powerful than Earth’s magnetic field. To understand its destructive potential:
- If a magnetar passed halfway to the Moon from Earth, its magnetic field would be capable of wiping out all credit cards and electronics.
- If a human got within 960 kilometers of the magnetar, the gravitational force would literally destroy the atoms in their body.
How Was SGR 0501+4516 Discovered?
The magnetar SGR 0501+4516 was initially detected in 2008, but it was through recent observations, combining data from Hubble and Gaia, that scientists were able to measure its speed with greater accuracy. The analyses showed that the object is moving much faster than previously thought.
With a speed of 177,000 km/h — which is equivalent to crossing Brazil from north to south in about 20 seconds — the magnetar challenges previous models about its origin.
According to scientists, the trajectory of SGR 0501+4516 indicates that it cannot have originated from the supernova HB9, as suggested by previous studies. Instead, new theories are emerging regarding its formation.
Possible Origins of the Magnetar
Researchers propose two main hypotheses to explain the existence of SGR 0501+4516:
- Merge of Two Neutron Stars of lower mass.
- Collapse Induced by Accretion: in this scenario, a white dwarf absorbs material from its companion in a binary system, accumulating so much mass that it directly collapses into a neutron star without exploding.
Regarding this second possibility, astrophysicist Andrew Levan, one of the study’s authors, explains:
“Normally, the white dwarf completely explodes. But under certain specific conditions, it can collapse and transform into a neutron star, creating magnetars like SGR 0501.”
If confirmed, this would be one of the few direct pieces of evidence of this rare type of stellar formation.
The Danger Posed by Magnetars
Despite the safe distance of SGR 0501+4516 from Earth, the mere existence of magnetars raises theoretical concerns about catastrophic cosmic events. It is estimated that if a magnetar appeared just a few dozen light-years from Earth, the effects on the planet’s magnetic field and electronic systems could be devastating.
Possible effects include:
- Extinction of satellite communication networks.
- Collapse of entire electrical grids.
- Genetic mutation in living organisms exposed to intense magnetic radiation.
Fortunately, most known magnetars are located thousands of light-years away, beyond the direct reach of such threats.
SGR 0501+4516: A Cosmic Laboratory
While potentially dangerous, the magnetar SGR 0501+4516 also represents an unprecedented scientific opportunity. It can help astronomers understand:
- How extreme magnetic fields evolve in space.
- What the behavior of matter is under unimaginable density conditions.
- How stellar merging events or white dwarf collapses can generate exotic bodies.
This research by astronomers is crucial for advancing our understanding of neutron star formation, black holes, and the future of our galaxy itself.
Why Is This Discovery Important?
The precise detection of the speed and trajectory of SGR 0501+4516 redefines models of magnetar formation and reinforces the need to study more deeply the effects of ultra-intense magnetic fields in the cosmos.
Moreover, it shows that, despite technological advancements, the universe still holds countless mysteries. Each new discovery, such as the “zombie star” crossing the Milky Way, broadens our understanding of the violent and fascinating processes that shape galaxies.
Summary of Key Facts about SGR 0501+4516
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Type of Star | Magnetar (Neutron Star) |
| Speed | 177,000 km/h |
| Magnetic Field | 1 Trillion Times Greater than Earth’s |
| First Detection | 2008 |
| Instruments Used | Hubble (NASA) and Gaia (ESA) |
| Distance for Human Destruction | 960 km |
| Possible Origins | Merge of Neutron Stars or Collapse of White Dwarf |
Seja o primeiro a reagir!