Astronomers using NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory have found a group of unusual objects in several nearby galaxies. One of these galaxies is M101, the Pinwheel Galaxy, and NASA released a new image of it on 9 September 2026.
The objects are strange because of their light. Their X-rays are much softer, or lower in energy, than those from most known X-ray sources. At the same time, they seem to give off very strong ultraviolet radiation. Known classes of X-ray sources don't usually show this mix.
According to NASA, the researchers think these objects could help solve two separate open questions in astrophysics. They are still working out what the sources are and how they produce so much ultraviolet light.
