Astronomers have recently detected the oldest fast radio burst (FRB) ever seen, which dates back 8 billion years. These bursts of radio waves from space, first discovered in 2007, have been observed on Earth numerous times. However, this particular burst is not only the oldest but also the most energetic one recorded.
Known as FRB 20220610A, the burst was discovered by Ryan Shannon and his team at the Swinburne University of Technology in Australia. Using the Australian Square Kilometre Array Pathfinder radio telescope, they found that this FRB was three-and-a-half times more energetic than any others previously detected. Shannon mentions that the burst packs the same energy as the sun produces in 30 years, enough to microwave a bowl of popcorn about two times the size of the sun.
Fast radio bursts are believed to originate from highly magnetized neutron stars in distant galaxies and typically last for only a fraction of a second. Shannon explains that once these bursts are first found, most of them are never seen again.
Further investigation by the researchers using the Very Large Telescope in Chile revealed a cluster of galaxies in the sky where the emission came from. The team believes that this cluster contains the source of the blast, suggesting that the burst has traveled through space for almost 8 billion years.
This discovery surpasses the previous record holder, which had traveled for 5 billion years. It indicates that FRBs have been occurring for at least half the age of the universe, which is estimated to be around 13.7 billion years old.
Scientists study FRBs to gain insights into the early universe. When these bursts reach Earth, some waves arrive with slightly longer wavelengths due to interactions with ionized particles and other matter in between galaxies. By observing this, astronomers can determine the uniformity of matter between galaxies.
Overall, the detection of this ancient and powerful FRB provides valuable information for understanding the universe’s history and the nature of these mysterious bursts.
Insights and Unique Findings:
– The oldest fast radio burst (FRB) ever detected has recently been found, dating back 8 billion years.
– The burst, named FRB 20220610A, is also the most energetic FRB recorded to date, with three-and-a-half times the energy of previously detected bursts.
– FRBs are believed to originate from highly magnetized neutron stars in distant galaxies and typically last for only a fraction of a second.
– The discovery suggests that FRBs have been occurring for at least half the age of the universe, providing insights into the early universe.
– The detection of FRBs helps scientists study the uniformity of matter between galaxies by observing the interactions of FRB waves with ionized particles and other matter.
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