Astronomers discover 84 mysterious ultrasoft X-ray sources in six galaxies

Astronomers have identified 84 mysterious ultrasoft X-ray sources located within six different galaxies. The findings, published in the journal Nature Astronomy, were made by analyzing existing public data from NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory rather than through a new observation campaign.

These sources are characterized by unusually low energy X-ray emissions. Researchers suggest their radiation spectra may peak in the ultraviolet range, making them difficult to observe because much of the strongest radiation is likely absorbed by neutral hydrogen and helium in the interstellar medium.

The sources were found in diverse environments, ranging from active star-forming regions to areas dominated by older stars, suggesting the phenomenon is not limited to specific galactic types. While their exact nature remains unconfirmed, scientists hypothesize they may be related to binary star systems containing compact objects such as white dwarfs, neutron stars, or black holes that are accreting matter from a companion star.