Binary systems might work fine as stellar engines, new study claims.

Astronomers know that some stars hurtle through space at astonishing speeds, which are often attributed to natural gravitational forces or the stars’ own emissions. However, philosopher and astronomer Clement Vidal from the Vrije University in Brussels, Belgium, proposes a bold alternative explanation: advanced alien civilizations might be transforming star systems into colossal spaceships to explore the galaxy.

Vidal’s theory, outlined in a non-peer-reviewed paper published via Cornell University, suggests these “star engines” could propel entire solar systems across the Milky Way. The motivations? Survival, resource scarcity, reproduction, exploration, or even escaping cosmic threats such as nearby supernovae or hostile alien civilizations.

More to read:
Forget what you know about cosmos – astronomers find a galaxy without stars

Instead of building small spacecraft, according to Vidal, an alien civilization might choose to move their entire solar system, ensuring their species and culture endure the passage of millennia during the journey. This concept builds on the idea of a "stellar engine," first envisioned by science fiction author Olaf Stapledon in 1937 - an idea that, while incredibly ambitious, is scientifically plausible.

The mechanics behind a stellar engine

Vidal posits that binary star systems, particularly “spider pulsars” and “redback pulsars,” are the best candidates for stellar engines.

These systems consist of a dense neutron star with a strong gravitational field and a smaller companion star. The pulsar's rapid rotation and gravitational forces eject material from its companion star, generating immense energy.

More to read:
Hawaiʻi astronomers discover planet that has survived star inflation

An advanced civilization could potentially manipulate these ejections, directing them like rocket thrust to propel the entire system. By adjusting the direction of the ejections, they could “steer” the star system, allowing for precise navigation through space (pictured below).

Credit: University of Oxford

While no current observations suggest intelligent control of hypervelocity stars, Vidal believes the peculiar movement of certain binary systems warrants closer examination. He has even identified two promising candidates: PSR J0610-2100 (a "black widow" pulsar) and PSR J2043+1711 (a "redback" pulsar).

These systems exhibit unexplained acceleration. Additionally, NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory recently discovered five similar binary pulsars in the Omega Centauri cluster, which contains millions of stars about 17,000 light-years away. Vidal encourages astronomers to investigate these systems for anomalies such as unexpected acceleration, changes in direction, or other signs of intelligent manipulation.

More to read:
Astronomers discover “old smoker” stars

From theory to possibility

Vidal acknowledges that his proposal is speculative but argues it is testable. If advanced civilizations do exist and possess the technology to turn solar systems into spaceships, their movements could leave observable patterns.

For now, there is no evidence that any known star system is being guided by extraterrestrial intelligence but Vidal’s theory challenges astronomers to think beyond conventional explanations and explore the vast, untapped potential of the universe.

A video explainer with the professor explaining his proposal, thanks to TEDx.

***
NewsCafe is an independent outlet that cares about big issues. Our sources of income amount to ads and donations from readers. You can support us via PayPal: office[at]rudeana.com or paypal.me/newscafeeu, or https://buymeacoffee.com/newscafe . Any amount is welcome.