For decades, astronomers have been puzzled by the unusually powerful X-ray emissions emanating from Gamma Cassiopeiae, a star easily visible to the naked eye. Now, thanks to the exceptionally precise observations conducted by Japan’s XRISM space telescope, scientists have finally pinpointed the elusive source: a hidden white dwarf companion. This dwarf star is actively siphoning off material from Gamma Cassiopeiae, a process that generates immense heat and, consequently, the extreme X-rays observed. This significant discovery not only resolves a persistent 50-year-old mystery surrounding Gamma Cassiopeiae but also conclusively confirms the existence of a previously theorized type of binary star system.
Astronomers solve 50-year mystery of a naked-eye star’s extreme X-rays
By Rupert Blackwood
Investigative journalist based in Sheffield, focusing on technology's impact on society. Rupert specializes in cybercrime's effect on communities, from online fraud targeting elderly residents to cryptocurrency scams. His reporting examines social media manipulation, digital surveillance, and how criminal networks operate in cyberspace. With expertise in computer systems, he connects technical complexity with real-world consequences for ordinary people