Fast Radio Bursts (FRBs) are rapid and intense bursts of radio emissions from deep space.
– FRBs are intense bursts of radio emissions lasting only milliseconds. – Detected as sudden spikes in radio waves from deep space, emitting as much energy as the sun in a day.
– Despite numerous observations, scientists are still uncertain about the cause of FRBs. – Their rarity and brief duration make them challenging to study and locate accurately.
– Leading theory: FRBs emitted by highly energetic neutron stars with intense magnetic fields. – Repeating FRBs suggest objects that survive the emission, supporting the neutron star hypothesis.
– Speculative theory: FRBs may be emitted due to intense gravitational fields around black holes. – Challenges: Warped space-time around black holes makes detailed observation difficult.
– Magnetars, highly magnetized neutron stars, are considered as sources of FRBs. – Detection of an FRB from a magnetar in the Milky Way galaxy provides strong evidence for this theory.
– When neutron stars collide, they release intense radiation, potentially including FRBs. – Gravitational waves and gamma rays detected from a neutron star collision in 2017 support this theory.
– Controversial theory: FRBs might be attempts at communication from advanced extraterrestrial civilizations. – Scientists propose methods to search for patterns or sequences in FRBs as potential signs of intelligent life.