New type of star gives clues to mysterious origin of magnetars

The finding marks the discovery of a new type of astronomical object – massive magnetic helium stars – and sheds light on the origin of magnetars.

An artist’s impression of the star HD 45166 located in the constellation Monoceros (L Calcada/ESO/PA)

A new type of star is shedding light on the mysterious origin of magnetars – the strongest magnets in the universe.

Magnetars are super-dense dead stars with ultra-strong magnetic fields, and can be found all over the Milky Way.