News Highlights
Except for one, astronomers have discovered a fast radio burst (FRB) with characteristics that are distinct from almost all other FRBs previously discovered.
Fast Radio Burst(FRB)
- FRBs are bright flashes of light that appear for a few milliseconds and then vanish.
- Since the first FRB was discovered in 2007, 140 more were discovered until June 2021
- Their origins are unknown, and their appearance is unpredictable
- New Discovery FRB 20190520B
- The new study in Nature describes FRB 20190520B, first discovered in 2019
- It emits frequent, repeating bursts of radio waves
- Only one FRB has been previously observed to behave this way. Called FRB 121102, it was discovered in 2012.
How are they produced?
- The super dense neutron stars left over after a supernova, or magnetars, have been hypothesized as possible sources of FRBs by astronomers (neutron stars with ultra-strong magnetic fields).
Do You Know ?
- Magnetars – A magnetar is a form of neutron star that is uncommon and small, with a lot of energy and magnetic. Only about thirty have been discovered so far in the Milky Way, making them rather unusual objects.
- Supernova – A supernova is a star that has exploded. It’s the biggest explosion ever seen in space.
Content Source : Indian Express