Fast Radio Bursts (FRBs) have captured the fascination of astronomers and stargazers alike since their first discovery in 2007. These transient cosmic phenomena, which manifest as brief bursts of intense radio waves, remain shrouded in mystery. Over the years, astronomers have observed 140 FRBs until June 2021, each with its own unique characteristics and enigmatic origins.
FRB 20190520B: A Puzzling Discovery
In a recent article published in the scientific journal Nature, astronomers have shared insights about FRB 20190520B, a remarkable FRB discovered in 2019. This particular FRB stands out from the rest due to its distinct behavior, setting it apart from the majority of FRBs previously observed. Unlike their fleeting counterparts, FRB 20190520B exhibits recurrent bursts of radio waves, and intriguingly, it continually emits weaker radio waves between these bursts.
FRB 121102: A Familiar Anomaly
While FRB 20190520B’s behavior is intriguing, it is not the first of its kind. In 2012, astronomers made a similar discovery with FRB 121102. This recurrent pattern of radio wave bursts remains a mystery, and scientists are eager to decipher its significance.
Unraveling the Mystery: The NRAO’s Perspective
The United States National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) has taken a keen interest in these unique FRBs. They describe the peculiar behavior of these FRBs as “strange” and suggest that their discovery raises more questions than answers. Beyond this, it rekindles the debate regarding the potential use of FRBs as tools for studying the enigmatic nature of intergalactic space.
The Tools of Discovery: The VLA and More
To unravel the secrets of FRB 20190520B and FRB 121102, scientists employed a suite of powerful telescopes, including the National Science Foundation’s Karl G Jansky Very Large Array (VLA). These tools allowed astronomers to meticulously study and analyze the characteristics of these elusive phenomena.
Two Distinct Mechanisms: A Puzzling Conundrum
The revelation of FRB 20190520B’s recurrent bursts raises intriguing possibilities. Astronomers now ponder whether two distinct mechanisms might be responsible for generating FRBs or if these cosmic objects exhibit varying behavior at different stages. As a result, the scientific community grapples with an ever-deepening mystery surrounding the nature of these celestial phenomena.
Candidates for the Culprit: Neutron Stars and Magnetars
The origins of FRBs remain the subject of extensive investigation. Among the leading candidates are superdense neutron stars, remnants of supernovas, and magnetars—neutron stars boasting ultra-strong magnetic fields. These celestial suspects remain under close scrutiny as astronomers strive to uncover the source of FRBs.