Unprecedented Mass Bleaching Threatens Western Australia's Ningaloo Reef

Astronomers have identified a novel cosmic phenomenon named ASKAP J1832-0911, located about 15,000 light-years from Earth. This unique object emits both intense X-rays and strong radio flashes in a pattern that has never been observed before, transmitting for two minutes every 44 minutes. ASKAP J1832-0911 belongs to the class of "long-period radio transients" (LPTs), a category characterized by prolonged radio signal emissions. According to NASA, the object's emissions are thousands of times longer than typical pulsar pulses. Researchers, including team leader Zieng Wang from Curtin University, noted that the chance finding was akin to “discovering a needle in a haystack,” as observations from NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory flawlessly coincided with the ASKAP radio telescope's coverage of the night sky. While the precise classification of ASKAP J1832-0911 remains uncertain, it is suggested that it may be a dead star or possibly a magnetar—a neutron star with an exceptionally strong magnetic field. Scientists continue to investigate the mechanisms behind its sporadic emissions.

Astronomers have identified a mysterious cosmic object, named ASKAP J1832-0911, which emits unusual pulses of radio waves and X-rays every 44 minutes. Detected by the Australian Square Kilometre Array Pathfinder (ASKAP) and confirmed by NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory, the nature of this object remains a subject of speculation, according to Andy Wang, an astronomer at Curtin University in Perth, Australia. The researchers suggest that ASKAP J1832-0911 might be a magnetar or part of a binary star system involving a highly magnetized white dwarf, although these theories do not fully explain the observed phenomena. The findings were published on May 28 in the journal Nature. Wang stated, "This object is unlike anything we have seen before," emphasizing the potential for discovering new physics. Unlike traditional pulsars, which release signals every few seconds or milliseconds, this long-period transient (LPT) challenges existing astrophysical models, with researchers suggesting that more observations could uncover additional similar objects. The discovery is viewed as a significant step in understanding the complexities of stellar evolution.

Gareth Ward, the Independent MP for Kiama in New South Wales, is on trial for allegedly raping a 24-year-old political staffer and indecently assaulting an 18-year-old in two separate incidents occurring in 2013 and 2015. The trial at Sydney’s Downing Centre began on May 27, 2025, with crown prosecutor Monika Knowles outlining the allegations against Ward, who has pleaded not guilty to all charges. According to court documents, the first incident allegedly occurred after a Parliament House event in 2015 when Ward invited the complainant to stay at his home. The staffer reports that Ward attempted unwanted physical advances which escalated to sexual assault. The second allegation involves an alleged indecent assault on the 18-year-old in 2013, which reportedly began when the complainant visited Ward’s home after a party. Ward, who was previously a member of the Liberal Party, faced suspension after the allegations came to light in 2022 but was re-elected as an independent in 2023. The trial is expected to last four weeks, and the jury has yet to hear the defense's arguments.