Get the latest Science News and Discoveries

The Star That Kept Its Secret for 50 Years


Look up on a clear night and you can spot the distinctive 'W' shape of Cassiopeia with the naked eye. The middle star of that W, which has the catchy name of Gamma Cas, has been puzzling astronomers since 1866, and for the last fifty years it's been blazing with peculiar high energy X-rays that simply shouldn't be there. Now, thanks to a next generation space telescope with extraordinary precision, the mystery has finally been solved. The culprit is a hungry invisible companion, quietly feeding in the dark.

None

Get the Android app

Or read this on Universe Today

Read more on:

Photo of Star

Star

Photo of Secret

Secret

Related news:

News photo

That Bright ‘Star’ In The Sky After Sunset Isn’t What You Think

News photo

Vivid dreams may be the secret to deeper, more restful sleep

News photo

Scientists finally solve century-old mystery of star with unexpected X-ray emissions