NASA | Stellar Odd Couple Makes Striking Flares

The video discusses a system involving a hot, massive star and a compact remnant, such as a pulsar, which emits X rays and occasionally gamma rays. The pulsar's orbit brings it close to a companion star, leading to gamma ray production. In 2010, NASA's Fermi Telescope observed unexpected gamma ray flares, sparking a mystery for astronomers. Understanding this system could help predict future events and provide insights into other high mass binaries.

What was the unexpected observation made by NASA's Fermi Gamma Ray Space Telescope in early 2011?

Why is understanding the unique system of the pulsar important for scientists?