by Scientists are still puzzled by the origin of fast radio bursts (FRBs) – bright bursts of radio waves that last for a fleeting moment. Thousands of these cosmic radio signals have been detected since their discovery in 2007, but the cause behind them remains a mystery. A new study from the University of Tokyo provides evidence that these enigmatic signals may be caused by “starquakes”.
Researchers have analyzed the time-energy correlation of thousands of FRBs from repeating sources and compared them to other high-energy events. While solar flares have been considered as a possible explanation, the team found distinct differences between solar flares and FRBs. However, they discovered a surprising similarity between FRBs and earthquakes.
According to Professor Tomonori Totani, co-author of the study, there are four key observations that support the “starquake” hypothesis. First, there is a 10-50% probability of an aftershock occurring for a single event. Second, the rate of aftershocks decreases over time. Third, the aftershock rate remains constant regardless of changes in the overall rate of FRB activity. Finally, there is no correlation between the energies of the main shock and its aftershock.
The findings suggest that FRBs may not be produced through flares from neutron stars, as previously theorized, but instead result from sudden releases of massive energy during starquakes. This hypothesis suggests that some neutron stars may have solid crusts that can experience these quakes, a notion supported by recent X-ray observations of a magnetar.
However, further research is needed to confirm or rule out this unusual hypothesis. With a wealth of data available from the numerous FRBs observed regularly, scientists have ample material to investigate and gain a deeper understanding of these celestial phenomena. The study of FRBs continues to advance our knowledge of the universe and our place within it.
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1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
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