What is the Weird Flash from the Center of the Galaxy? Exploring ASKAP J173608.2–321635

An unusual flash from the center of the galaxy has astronomers scratching their heads. What’s going on with ASKAP J173608.2–321635?

Antennae of the ASKAP telescope array at Murchison Radio-astronomy Observatory in Western Australia. Image credit: CSIRO

Not far from the center of the Milky Way galaxy, astronomers have recently witnessed a mysterious flashing of radio waves. Many (in fact, most) objects give off radio waves — this is not…