A mysterious fast radio burst (FRB) recently found to repeat itself on a 161-day cycle has begun emitting its radio flares again, right at the time scientists predicted it would once again surface.
In June, scientists at the University of Manchester confirmed a fast radio burst called FRB 121102 was repeating on a 161-day cycle, predicting it would “wake up” and begin emitting again before the end of August. Last week, the scientists reported that the FRB had again become active, just as they predicted.
Fast radio bursts have mystified astronomers since their discovery in 2007. Because their wildly powerful energy bursts only last for a few milliseconds, discovering even basic information about them, including what interstellar phenomenon is causing them, has proven next to impossible. However, because FRB 121102 isn’t a one-shot burst, but repeats on a regular basis, further study into its nature has become possible, Science Alert explained.
Sourse: sputniknews.com
