[ad_1]
Two NASA telescopes played cosmic hide-and-seek, observing a dead star known for its erratic radio bursts. Their joint look captured the star’s behavior just minutes before and after it unleashed a powerful explosion, offering astronomers a rare glimpse of these mysterious phenomena.
These fleeting radio bursts, known as fast radio bursts (FRBs), release immense energy in milliseconds, puzzling scientists about their origins. Until recently, they were observed only from afar, making their origins a cosmic whodunit. Then, in 2020, an explosion within our own galaxy finally revealed a culprit: a magnetar, a super-dense remnant of a collapsed star.
Enter SGR 1935+2154, a magnetar famous for its antics. In October 2022, she threw another tantrum and emitted an FRB examined by NASA’s NICER and NuSTAR telescopes. This unprecedented duo observed the magnetar for hours, witnessing its behavior before the explosion and its aftermath.
The data revealed a surprising twist: just before the explosion, the magnetar’s spin dropped dramatically, 100 times faster than ever seen before. This rapid slowdown hinted at a connection to the explosion itself, a piece of the puzzle that scientists are eager to fit together.
The volatile nature of the magnetar is no stranger to scientists. Its immense density creates a playground for extreme physics, with x-ray and gamma-ray bursts commonplace. Shortly before the 2022 FRB, an increase in these high-energy emissions hinted that trouble was brewing.
“All of those previous explosions could have had enough energy to create an FRB, but they didn’t,” explained Zorawar Wadiasingh, a researcher involved in the study. “Something changed during the slowdown, creating the right conditions.”
One theory points to the magnetar’s unusual interior, where a superfluid dances beneath a solid crust. When these layers collide, like water splashing in a spinning fish tank, energy surges upward, potentially triggering the explosion.
However, with only one event observed in real time, the exact mechanics remain elusive. The magnetar’s powerful magnetic field and possible cracks in its surface are other suspects, each of which adds to the intrigue.
“We’ve seen something crucial to understanding FRBs,” said George Younes, a researcher on the project. “But more data is needed to solve the mystery.”
This cosmic detective work, with NASA telescopes as the protagonists, is shedding light on these enigmatic explosions. Each observation brings scientists closer to unlocking the secrets hidden within the exploding hearts of dead stars.
Unlock a world of benefits! From informative newscasts to real-time stock tracking, breaking news and a personalized newsfeed – it’s all here, just a click away! Sign in now!