IIA astronomers find clues to the origin of a fast X-ray transient detected by Einstein Probe
The Department of Science and Technology said on 19 June 2026 that astronomers at the Indian Institute of Astrophysics have traced the likely mechanism behind the fast X-ray transient EP241107a.
Summary
Astronomers led by Deepak Eappachen and Arvind Balasubramanian, postdoctoral fellows at the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), an autonomous institution under the Department of Science and Technology, studied the Fast X-ray Transient (FXT) EP241107a, as announced on 19 June 2026. The team linked the X-ray flash to the collapse of a massive star or the merger of two neutron stars. EP241107a was detected by the Einstein Probe, a Chinese space mission that surveys the high-energy sky, and the team found a radio counterpart using the Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array in New Mexico. FXTs are non-repeating bursts of low-energy X-rays lasting from a few minutes to several hours, first discovered about a decade ago.
Key facts
- Event studied
- Fast X-ray Transient EP241107a
- Institute
- Indian Institute of Astrophysics (autonomous, DST)
- Detected by
- Einstein Probe, a Chinese space mission
- Radio counterpart
- Found with the Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array, New Mexico
- Likely origin
- Collapse of a massive star or a binary neutron star merger
- FXTs
- Non-repeating low-energy X-ray bursts lasting minutes to hours
Practice MCQs 2 questions
The Fast X-ray Transient EP241107a, studied by Indian Institute of Astrophysics astronomers in 2026, was detected by which space mission?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Einstein Probe
EP241107a was detected by the Einstein Probe, a Chinese space mission that surveys the high-energy sky.
Consider the following statements about Fast X-ray Transients (FXTs), as described by DST in June 2026: 1. FXTs are repeating flashes of high-energy gamma rays lasting several days. 2. FXTs were first discovered about a decade ago. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 2 only
Only statement 2 is correct. FXTs are non-repeating bursts of low-energy X-rays lasting from a few minutes to several hours.