The Mystery of “Punctum”: The Mysterious Object in NGC 4945 That Shines Like Nothing Else Known
The universe never ceases to amaze. While studying a nearby galaxy, a group of astronomers stumbled upon an unusual object that defies current models. Called “Punctum,” this bright point emits stable and immense energy in millimeter waves, yet remains invisible in other frequencies. Its nature remains a mystery, and the discovery could open a new chapter in understanding extreme cosmic phenomena.
### An Unexpected Find in Galaxy NGC 4945
The discovery occurred when a team led by Elena Shablovinskaia detected a compact and dazzling source in galaxy NGC 4945. Dubbed “Punctum” — Latin for “point” — it appeared as an intense millimeter-wave radio signal, invisible in optical or X-ray images. Its power far exceeded that of extreme objects like magnetars or supernova explosions.
Astronomers have discovered a truly puzzling celestial object in the nearby galaxy NGC 4945, about 11 million light-years away.
### Characteristics That Puzzle Astronomers
What’s most surprising is that, unlike cosmic flares or bursts that fade away, Punctum’s brightness remains stable over time. Its strong polarization suggests a highly organized magnetic field and synchrotron radiation. However, its compact size and intensity have no comparison to anything recorded in astrophysics so far.
### Why It Doesn’t Fit Known Categories
Although some researchers compare it to a magnetar under extreme conditions or a supernova interacting with dense material, no hypothesis fully explains it. Magnetars don’t emit as much energy in millimeter waves, and supernova remnants are much larger and chaotic. Punctum is compact, stable, and extremely powerful, making it a unique object and, so far, unclassifiable.
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