The National Center of Radio Astrophysics (NCRA-TIFR) in Pune and the University of California in America have recently utilized the Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT) to map the arrangement of atomic hydrogen gas in the host galaxy of a Fast Radio Burst (FRB) for the first time.
Understanding Fast Radio Bursts
First discovered in 2007, FRBs are bright bursts of radio waves that can be produced by astronomical objects with changing magnetic fields. These bursts are so short, lasting only milliseconds, that it’s tough to detect them or figure out their location in the sky. They generate energy equivalent to what the Sun produces in a year, all within a thousandth of a second! Understanding the origins of these blasts is crucial to unpacking the type of astronomical events that cause such intense energy flashes.
Zooming in on FRB20180916B
One of the most well-known FRBs is FRB20180916B. Discovered in 2018, it’s located in a galaxy 500 million light-years away from us, making it the closest known FRB thus far. Displaying a predictable burst pattern – four days of bursts followed by 12 days of relative quiet, it provides an ideal research subject.
The Latest Study: A Deep Dive into FRB20180916B
According to recent research, the host galaxy of this particular FRB has seen a merger recently, hinting at the possibility that the massive star formed due to this merger event could be the progenitor of the FRB. The host galaxy was found to contain ten times more atomic hydrogen gas than nearby galaxies, but fewer stars. These findings suggest that the surplus hydrogen gas was recently acquired following a potential merger of two galaxies.
An Overview of The Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT)
GMRT, an indigenous project operated by the NCRA-TIFR, consists of thirty fully steerable parabolic radio telescopes, each 45 meters in diameter. Designed based on the ‘SMART’ concept – for Stretch Mesh Attached to Rope Trusses, it functions at the meter wavelength part of the radio spectrum. Advantageously, man-made radio interference is substantially lower in this part of the spectrum in India, making it ideal for studying many critical astrophysics issues. Its location in Pune is chosen for its low man-made radio noise, good communication facilities, proximity to industrial and educational infrastructure, and a geographical latitude sufficiently north of the geomagnetic equator that ensures a relatively quiet ionosphere, yet allows a good view of the southern sky.
Interstellar Insights
By revealing the link between FRBs and the hydrogen gas distribution in their host galaxies, this new study brings us closer to understanding these extraordinary cosmic events. The data gathered sets the stage for future probing into these mysterious flashes of energy and the massive astronomical events that generate them. The GMRT’s pivotal role underscores the importance of innovative technology in enabling such path-breaking research.
