Astronomers Link Mysterious Fast Radio Bursts with Gravitational Waves

Astronomers have recently discovered that merging neutron stars, powerful pulses of radio waves from space lasting about a thousandth of a second and magnetars possibly produce fast radio bursts (FRBs). They linked gravitational waves, ripples in time and space generated by collisions between massive objects, with FRBs. A master’s student at the University of Western Australia tested this idea by looking for merging neutron stars detected by the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO).

Neutron Star Mergers and FRBs

According to a study published in Nature Astronomy, astronomers have found evidence that colliding neutron stars may be producing fast radio bursts. Most FRBs come from galaxies so distant that light takes billions of years to reach us. Magnetars, which are neutron stars with magnetic fields about a trillion times stronger than a fridge magnet, also produce radio waves. Two colliding neutron stars can produce a burst of gravitational waves and later produce an FRB when the neutron star collapses into a black hole.

The Discovery of First “Blitzar”

Researchers may have found evidence of the first “blitzar,” a rare astronomical event caused by the collapse of an overly massive neutron star. Blitzars occur within hours of the neutron star merger, resulting in a massive release of energy in the form of a fast radio burst. The collision of heavy neutron stars generates an object above the mass limit to cause a black hole’s collapse, thus leading to a blitzar.

Detection of Neutron Star Collision and Related Fast Radio Burst

Astronomers reported the second-ever detection of a neutron star collision by LIGO (Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory). CHIME observatory detected an FRB two and a half hours later which is likely related to the neutron star collision. The researchers believe that the neutron star from the collision collapsed under its weight to become a black hole, leading to the emission of the FRB. The probability that these two events coincidentally happened at the same time and distance from Earth is 0.52 percent, making it highly likely that they are related.

Further Investigations Needed

The location of the FRB is within the significant area of the sky from where the detection was made. Researchers suggest further investigation to understand the relationship between gravitational waves and FRBs. LIGO, Virgo, and KAGRA will turn back on in May, and CHIME and other radio telescopes are ready to immediately detect any FRBs from neutron star mergers.

In conclusion, this discovery highlights our growing understanding of space and holds great promise for further exploration into the secrets of the universe.

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