Archive · 31 Jul 2026
X-ray Discovery Uncovers Unique Star System in Magellanic Bridge
Scientists used a space telescope called eROSITA to look at X-rays from space.
They found a new kind of star system in a region called the Magellanic Bridge.
The system has a white dwarf star that is eating gas from a bigger star, making it glow in X-rays.
This helps scientists learn how close galaxy meetings change stars.
The discovery is part of a big plan to map all such stars in the area.
eROSITA's second public data release includes nearly two million X-ray sources, enabling detailed sky mapping.
IUCAA researchers discovered the first known white dwarf–giant star binary system in the Magellanic Bridge.
The system features a white dwarf accreting gas from a giant companion, emitting bright X-rays.
The find provides insight into how galaxy encounters influence binary star formation and evolution.
The discovery is part of a broader effort to create the first X-ray census of compact objects across the Magellanic System.
- Who
- IUCAA researchers led by Dr Tathagata Saha and Prof Chandreyee Maitra
- What
- First known white dwarf–giant star binary system discovered in the Magellanic Bridge
- When
- In eROSITA's second public data release
- Where
- Magellanic Bridge between the Large and Small Magellanic Clouds
- Why
- To understand how galaxy encounters influence binary star formation and evolution
- Data Release
- Second public data release of eROSITA
- Number of X-ray sources
- Nearly two million
- Discovery
- White dwarf–giant star binary system
- Location
- Magellanic Bridge
- Lead Institution
- Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA)
- Lead Researchers
- Dr Tathagata Saha, Prof Chandreyee Maitra