Australian researchers have unveiled a groundbreaking study using advanced technology developed by CSIRO (Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation) to detect over 20 mysterious signals in space. The innovative system, called CRACO, scans trillions of pixels from telescopes to identify anomalies, marking the first successful trial in Australia for this method.
Results of the study were published in a peer-reviewed journal, highlighting more than 20 fast radio bursts and neutron stars. Dr. Andy Wang, who led the research, noted that the findings exceeded initial expectations and provided insights into phenomena previously considered enigmatic.
CRACO operates by scanning vast amounts of data at an unprecedented speed—processing 100 billion pixels per second—allowing researchers to pinpoint these signals with greater accuracy than ever before. This efficiency is akin to sifting through a beach for a single five-cent coin, as Dr. Keith Bannister explained.
Dr. Laura Driessen clarified that fast radio bursts are fleeting phenomena detected by analyzing their time and frequency characteristics. By eliminating the need for additional steps to locate these signals, CRACO streamlines the process, offering a more precise method for future research.
This development could revolutionize astronomy by enabling researchers to better pinpoint the origin of fast radio bursts—linking them to specific galaxies to gather crucial information about their formation and evolution. Dr. Driessen emphasized that with CRACO, each burst’s location will be known, providing a key tool for understanding these cosmic phenomena.
The technology was developed through collaboration between CSIRO and international researchers, partially funded by an Australian Research Council grant. This advancement paves the way for future discoveries in the mysteries of space.
Source: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-01-28/more-than-20-mysterious-signal-found-space-csiro-technology/104863172