India's Astrosat detects 67 bursts coming from a magnetar

[Ajay0]

India's first multi-wavelength space-based observatory, AstroSat, has made a significant discovery by detecting bright pulses of energy coming from a magnetar in deep space.

https://www.wionews.com/science/astrosat-detects-millisecond-bursts-from-new-magnetar-to-unveil-concealed-secrets-within-673435

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AstroSat, India's premier multi-wavelength space-based observatory detected rapid sub-second X-ray bursts emanating from a novel neutron star boasting an ultrahigh magnetic field, known as a magnetar. This celestial revelation holds the potential to deepen our comprehension of the enigmatic and extreme astrophysical conditions inherent to magnetars. 

In a collaborative effort, scientists from the Raman Research Institute (RRI) and the University of Delhi leveraged the observational prowess of AstroSat to conduct a comprehensive study of the magnetar SGR J1830-0645, identified by NASA's Swift spacecraft in October 2020.

This particular magnetar is relatively new. It is an isolated neutron star and is about 24,000 years old. 

The data, obtained through the Large Area X-Ray Proportional Counter (LAXPC) and Soft X-Ray telescope (SXT) aboard AstroSat, promises to unveil the secrets concealed within the magnetar's high magnetic field.

The study determined that SGR J1830-0645 is a distinctive magnetar, showcasing a unique emission line in its spectra. However, what remains a captivating subject for further investigation is the presence of these emission lines, and their potential origin, whether from iron fluorescence, proton cyclotron line features, or instrumental effects. 

Dr. Sharma reportedly said, "The energy-dependence in SGR J1830-0645 was different from what was observed in several other magnetars. This research, thus, contributes to our understanding of magnetars and their extreme astrophysical conditions."

 

 

[Ajay0]

India's first multi-wavelength space telescope, AstroSat, has successfully detected its 600th Gamma-ray Burst (GRB).

https://www.indiatoday.in/science/story/indias-astrosat-captures-600th-mega-explosion-that-rocked-the-universe-2468116-2023-11-27

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In an astronomical feat, India's first multi-wavelength space telescope, AstroSat, has successfully detected its 600th Gamma-ray Burst (GRB), an event named GRB 231122B.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) launched AstroSat in September 2015, and since then, it has been a cornerstone in the field of astronomical research.

Gamma-ray bursts are the universe's most powerful explosions, often associated with the creation of black holes. These bursts emit immense amounts of energy in a short span, ranging from milliseconds to several minutes, and are considered among the brightest events in the cosmos.

Understanding these bursts is crucial for astronomers as they provide insights into the most extreme environments and the fundamental physics that govern the universe.

This landmark detection not only showcases the the spacecraft's capabilities but also highlights the continued excellence of AstroSat's performance, even eight years post-launch, surpassing its expected lifespan.