# Origin of long-period radio transients > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/origin-of-long-period-radio-transients > Updated: 2026-08-22T18:07:00.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2. Astronomers have identified a potential source for long-period radio transients (LPTs), which are mysterious, highly polarized radio bursts that repeat at intervals of minutes to hours. Research suggests these signals originate from cataclysmic variable binary star systems. Initial studies focused on ASKAP J1745-5051, a system located approximately 3,000 light-years away. This system features a white dwarf in a 1.3-hour orbit with a companion star, exhibiting orbitally modulated X-ray emission and frequency-drifting radio bursts. Researchers described the discovery of this white dwarf binary as a “Rosetta Stone” for understanding these phenomena. Subsequent research utilizing supercomputer simulations from Caltech has further clarified the mechanism. The bursts are driven by orbital and magnetic interactions between a strongly magnetized white dwarf and a low-mass companion star. These interactions power cosmic masers via the electron cyclotron maser instability (ECMI). These emissions are noted to resemble planetary radio emissions observed between Jupiter and its moon Io. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-22: Astronomers identify mechanism for long-period radio bursts in binary star systems Astronomers have linked long-period radio bursts to the magnetic interactions within binary star systems containing a magnetized white dwarf and a low-mass companion. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/astronomers-identify-mechanism-for-long-period-radio-bursts-in-binary-star-systems ### 2026-08-20: White dwarf binaries identified as source of long-period radio transients Researchers have identified white dwarf binary stars as the source of long-period radio transients, solving a mystery regarding these slow, repeating radio bursts in the Milky Way. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/white-dwarf-binaries-identified-as-source-of-long-period-radio-transients --- Cite as: Origin of long-period radio transients. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/origin-of-long-period-radio-transients