An image of a fiery red sphere (Image source: Space.com; edited)
NASA has discovered a mysterious red sphere called CWISE J1249. It is a celestial object whose composition and traveling speed have so far made it almost impossible for scientists to classify.
A lot of research has gone into understanding planets, stars, and cosmic dynamics. There is an already established understanding of what celestial objects should be composed of and the speed at which they should be travelling. But the newly discovered CWISE J1249 defies everything that is known.
CWISE J1249 was detected using NASA’s Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (WISE). Spectroscopic analysis of this object showed that it had an extremely low mass, minimal metal content, and a unique infrared signature.
Its extremely low mass is far below what you would expect from a star. Its minimal metal content suggests that it is unlikely that CWISE J1249 is a planet. Its infrared signature is also different from what stars, planets, and substellar objects usually produce. NASA’s WISE, however, detected internal heat from CWISE J1249. This suggests that the object is not a random fragment flying through space but a structured body.
Another challenging feature of CWISE J1249 is the speed at which it travels — over one million miles per hour. This is an unconventional speed for a star or a planet.
Scientists have two possible classifications for CWISE J1249. The first one suggests that it is a fragment of a white dwarf supernova that was ejected at extreme velocity during the explosive death of its parent star. The second one suggests that it is a failed star or an ejected planet that never really gained sufficient mass before it got expelled. Both theories, however, do not fully account for all CWISE J1249’s characteristics. The object’s origin remains a mystery.
Chibuike Okpara – Tech Writer – 296 articles published on Notebookcheck since 2024
I have always been fascinated by technology and digital devices my entire life and even got addicted to it. I have always marveled at the intricacy of even the simplest digital devices and systems around us. I have been writing and publishing articles online for about 6 years now, just about a year ago, I found myself lost in the marvel of smartphones and laptops we have in our hands every day. I developed a passion for learning about new devices and technologies that come with them and at some point, I asked myself, “Why not get into writing tech articles?” It is useless to say I followed up the idea — it is evident. I am an open-minded individual who derives an infinite amount of joy from researching and discovering new information, I believe there is so much to learn and such a short life to live, so I put my time to good use — learning new things. I am a ‘bookworm’ of the internet and digital devices. When I am not writing, you will find me on my devices still, I do explore and admire the beauty of nature and creatures. I am a fast learner and quickly adapt to changes, always looking forward to new adventures.