Astronomers have captured a radio signal that has voyaged across the universe for an astounding 8 billion years, finally reaching our planet. This remarkable signal is known as a fast radio burst (FRB), a mysterious and immensely powerful cosmic phenomenon.
The Oldest and Most Energetic Radio Signal Ever
In June 2022, scientists witnessed the oldest FRB to date, dating back a staggering 8 billion years. Hundreds of these puzzling radio wave bursts, originating from distant reaches of space, have graced our planet since their first discovery in 2007. However, the newfound FRB, named FRB 20220610A, stands out as the most energetic ever observed. “The burst has the energy that the sun produces in 30 years… That is enough power to microwave a bowl of popcorn about two times the size of the sun.” – Ryan Shannon, Swinburne University of Technology.1
This extraordinary radio signal was discovered by Ryan Shannon and his colleagues at the Swinburne University of Technology in Australia. Utilizing the Australian Square Kilometre Array Pathfinder (ASKAP) radio telescope, they observed that FRB 20220610A was three-and-a-half times more energetic than other previously detected FRBs.
Unraveling the Origins: Clues from the Cosmos
Intriguingly, radio signals are believed to emanate from highly magnetized neutron stars residing in distant galaxies. These cosmic enigmas usually endure for only a fraction of a second, with most never appearing again after their initial detection. Upon closer examination, scientists employed the Very Large Telescope in Chile to scrutinize the region of the sky from which this unique emission originated. To their amazement, they discovered a cluster of galaxies, potentially housing the source of the powerful FRB. This finding strengthens the prevailing theory that FRBs emerge from neutron stars, which are the remnants of massive stars and among the universe’s densest objects.2
Beyond the exhilaration of this discovery, it has far-reaching implications for our comprehension of the universe. The observed FRB supports the Macquart relation, a concept coined by the late Australian astronomer Jean-Pierre ‘J-P’ Macquart. This relation asserts that the further a radio signal originates, the more diffuse gas it reveals between galaxies. The FRB’s capacity to sense ionized material, even in seemingly empty space, allows scientists to measure the substance between galaxies. Associate Professor Shannon stated that their work “confirms that fast radio bursts are common events in the cosmos and that we will be able to use them to detect matter between galaxies and better understand the structure of the universe.”3
The Path Ahead: Radio Signals and Cosmic Mysteries
As we stand on the threshold of a new era in astronomy, we eagerly anticipate the capabilities of the international Square Kilometre Array (SKA) telescopes currently under construction in Western Australia and South Africa. These cutting-edge instruments, alongside the nearly 40-meter mirror of ESO’s Extremely Large Telescope under construction in the Chilean desert, will empower astronomers to locate even older and more distant radio signals, ultimately delving deeper into the mysteries of the universe.
This groundbreaking discovery reiterates the vast cosmic wonders that continue to elude our understanding. With each revelation, humanity takes another step towards unraveling the grandeur of the cosmos, armed with tools capable of unveiling the universe’s concealed secrets.
Keep Reading: FM radio signal found coming from Jupiter moon
Sources
- “A blast of radio waves hit Earth after travelling for 8 billion years.” New Scientist. Chen Ly. October 19, 2023.
- “Record-breaking fast radio burst offers path to weigh the Universe.” EurekAlert. MACQUARIE UNIVERSITY. October 19, 2023.
- “AND THE SUN IS NO MATCH FOR ITS POWER.” Futurism. Orville RedenFRBer. October 22.
