A Fast Radio Burst’s Unlikely Source Could Be A Cluster Of Ancient Stars

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A Fast Radio Burst’s Unlikely Source
A Fast Radio Burst’s Unlikely Source
A Fast Radio Burst’s Unlikely Source
A Fast Radio Burst’s Unlikely Source

The universe is full of mysteries waiting to be unraveled. One of these mysteries has recently been discovered: a repeating fast radio burst signal from a star cluster known as an old globular.

The signal, which was first detected in 2012, has been traced back to a star cluster that is located 12 million light-years away.

What is an old globular star cluster?

An old globular star cluster is a spherical collection of stars that are tightly bound by gravity. They are among the oldest known objects in the universe and are typically found in the outer regions of galaxies.

Old globular star clusters are fascinating objects for astronomers as they can provide insight into the early stages of the universe.

What is a fast radio burst?

A fast radio burst is a bright, millisecond-duration radio signal of extragalactic origin. These signals are rare and their origin is still unknown, although they are thought to be produced by extreme astrophysical phenomena such as neutron star mergers or black holes.

The Discovery

The discovery of the repeating fast radio burst signal in the old globular star cluster was made possible by the use of the Canadian Hydrogen Intensity Mapping Experiment (CHIME) radio telescope. The signal, which was detected in 2012 and re-detected in 2019 and 2020, has a frequency of 800 MHz and has been dubbed FRB 20180916B.

What does this discovery mean?

The discovery of the repeating fast radio burst signal from an old globular star cluster has significant implications for astrophysics. The fact that the signal is repeating and coming from a known location means that astronomers can study it in more detail and potentially use it to learn more about the nature of fast radio bursts and their origins. The discovery also suggests that old globular star clusters may be a new class of fast radio burst sources.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the discovery of the repeating fast radio burst signal from the old globular star cluster is a fascinating development in astrophysics. This discovery opens up new avenues for research and may provide new insights into the origins of fast radio bursts. With the use of advanced telescopes such as CHIME, we may be able to unlock even more secrets of the universe.