Home Astronomers fixated on fast radio bursts from very different space locations

Astronomers fixated on fast radio bursts from very different space locations

Fresh research has indicated that astronomers have discovered fast radio bursts (FRBs) emanating from a far-distant ‘dead’ galaxy that should not contain the energy to produce these signals.

The FRBs or instant, bright flashes of radio waves have long intrigued star gazers since the first discovery in 2007. 

They are still a source of mystery in terms of what they are and how they occur, but it is thought that the FRBs emit as much energy in a nano-second as the sun releases in one full day.

In a paper published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters, further painstaking research and detailed information have been presented, as the work goes on to uncover just what these celestial pulses are.

Four studies have been presented by the astronomers with their findings and theories on where the FRBs originate from, which could open up more scope for understanding how they happen, but the locations suggested for two recent radio bursts are very different. Poles apart.

New window into the dynamics of the universe

One has put forward that the bursts have come from a magnetically active space surrounding a type of neutron star known as a magnetar, while the other, observed over several months, was located from around a far-away, ‘dead’ galaxy.

The discrepancy suggests the FRBs do not come in one single form, from the same source, and that they can originate in different forms.

Ryan McKinven, an author on all four of the studies, said, “This is a step closer to unraveling a profound cosmic mystery.”

“FRBs are ubiquitous, yet their true nature remains largely unknown. Every discovery we make about their origins opens a new window into the dynamics of the universe,” he added.

In other news, this intriguing project is said to be revolutionizing astronomy with the use of blockchain technology.

Image credit: Via Midjourney

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Graeme Hanna
Tech Journalist

Graeme Hanna is a full-time, freelance writer with significant experience in online news as well as content writing. Since January 2021, he has contributed as a football and news writer for several mainstream UK titles including The Glasgow Times, Rangers Review, Manchester Evening News, MyLondon, Give Me Sport, and the Belfast News Letter. Graeme has worked across several briefs including news and feature writing in addition to other significant work experience in professional services. Now a contributing news writer at ReadWrite.com, he is involved with pitching relevant content for publication as well as writing engaging tech news stories.

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