Brief
Astronomers Spot Unusually Long X‑ray Flash Linked to Neutron Star Merger
The flash, recorded in September 2026, could be the first evidence that some neutron‑star mergers produce long‑lasting X‑ray emission.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Scientists say a minutes‑long X‑ray flash detected by the Einstein Probe satellite in September 2026 may signal the formation of a magnetar following a neutron‑star merger.
What happened
After the satellite issued an alert, Professor Eleonora Troja’s team quickly coordinated observations with the European Southern Observatory’s Very Large Telescope and the Very Large Array. The data showed a bright X‑ray transient lasting several minutes, far longer than the typical sub‑two‑second gamma‑ray bursts associated with such collisions.
What the reports add
Science Daily reported that the study, published in *Science Bulletin*, provides “strong evidence” linking the prolonged X‑ray emission to a magnetar remnant. The article notes that since the Einstein Probe’s launch in January 2024, hundreds of fast X‑ray transients have been recorded, but most remain unexplained.
What was said
"However, if the remnant of the collision is a magnetar, it could keep bursting for longer," Professor Troja told Science Daily. She added, "When I saw the X‑ray data from this new event, I realized something was up."
How it came about
Previous research relied on brief gamma‑ray bursts to identify neutron‑star mergers. The new observation suggests that X‑ray flashes lasting minutes could also serve as markers, expanding the toolkit for studying these cosmic events.
Key facts
- A minutes‑long X‑ray flash was detected by the Einstein Probe in September 2026. (sciencedaily.com)
- Follow‑up observations used ESO's Very Large Telescope and the Very Large Array. (sciencedaily.com)
- The findings were published in Science Bulletin and suggest a magnetar formed after the merger. (sciencedaily.com)
