Story perspectives

Astronomers Explore Exotrojans Around Black Widow Pulsars

3/22/2026

Summary

Story summary

Astronomers are investigating exotrojans, hypothetical objects that could orbit pulsar Lagrange points, using novel detection methods.
The study, led by Jackson Taylor of West Virginia University, focuses on black widow pulsars that may host exotrojan orbits.
Researchers compare optical light curves with radio data and analyze long-term radio timing from the North American Nanohertz Observatory for Gravitational Waves project (NANOGrav).
No conclusive evidence has emerged; the search continues.

1 of 1

Story summary

Astronomers are investigating exotrojans, hypothetical objects that could orbit pulsar Lagrange points, using novel detection methods.
The study, led by Jackson Taylor of West Virginia University, focuses on black widow pulsars that may host exotrojan orbits.
Researchers compare optical light curves with radio data and analyze long-term radio timing from the North American Nanohertz Observatory for Gravitational Waves project (NANOGrav).
No conclusive evidence has emerged; the search continues.