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Astronomers discover 2nd mysterious repeating fast radio burst
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- Thread starter Greg Bernhardt
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In summary, a Canadian research team has discovered a repeating signal in the depths of space, only the second of its kind to be found. These signals, known as fast radio bursts (FRBs), are extremely short bursts of cosmic radio waves. The source of these bursts is believed to come from an object with a very strong magnetic field. A new radio telescope in British Columbia, called the Canadian Hydrogen Intensity Mapping Experiment (CHIME), has captured 13 more FRBs, including the second repeating one, which was published in a recent paper in Nature.
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davenn
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thanks GregGreg Bernhardt said:
Related to Astronomers discover 2nd mysterious repeating fast radio burst
What is a fast radio burst (FRB)?
A fast radio burst is a high-energy burst of radio waves that lasts only a few milliseconds and is detected from outer space. The source of these bursts is still unknown, but they are thought to come from distant galaxies.
What makes this fast radio burst different from others?
This is the second known repeating fast radio burst, meaning that it has been observed multiple times from the same location in the sky. Most fast radio bursts are one-time events, making this discovery significant in understanding their origins.
How do astronomers detect fast radio bursts?
Astronomers use radio telescopes to detect fast radio bursts. These telescopes are equipped with specialized instruments that can detect and analyze radio waves from space. The data is then analyzed to determine the location and characteristics of the burst.
What could be causing these fast radio bursts?
The cause of fast radio bursts is still a mystery, but there are several theories. Some scientists believe they could be caused by highly magnetized neutron stars, while others suggest they could be a result of merging black holes or even alien technology.
Why is the discovery of a repeating fast radio burst important?
The discovery of a repeating fast radio burst provides valuable insights into the nature and origin of these mysterious events. It also allows astronomers to study the burst in more detail and potentially narrow down the possible explanations for their cause.
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