Astronomers have made a groundbreaking discovery that could transform our understanding of fast radio bursts (FRBs). Using a new telescope, they pinpointed the location on the sky of a repeating FRB outside a dead galaxy. The researchers believe the burst may have originated in a cluster of old, dead stars orbiting the galaxy.
This is unprecedented in FRB science, as most signals come from galaxies with active star-forming regions. However, this discovery raises questions about how such energetic events can occur in areas without new star formation.
The study uses data from a newly operational telescope, which enhances capabilities of the main CHIME telescope in Penticton, B.C. It confirms that FRB 20240209A is associated with a “dead” galaxy and is one of only two confirmed cases linked to globular clusters – dense regions of old, dead stars outside galaxies.
This breakthrough marks a significant shift in our understanding of FRBs, as it suggests they occur in diverse environments and challenges existing theories. The researchers’ findings provide vital clues for theorists, which could help explain the origin of these enigmatic cosmic bursts.
The discovery is a major milestone, as it demonstrates the potential of new telescopes to revolutionize our understanding of FRBs. With more FRB locations expected to be pinpointed soon, scientists are poised to uncover even more information about these mysterious signals.
Source: https://www.mcgill.ca/newsroom/channels/news/dead-galaxies-live-signals-astronomers-uncover-fast-radio-bursts-surprising-location-362730