Solving one of the universe’s mysteries

One of the most baffling puzzles of modern astrophysics is the nature of Fast Radio Bursts, which were discovered in 2007. These are seemingly rare, extremely bright flashes of light with radio wavelengths. They last only milliseconds; originate outside our galaxy, the Milky Way; come from regions with enormously strong magnetic fields; and pass through a significant amount of gas or dust before reaching Earth.

All of these facts may make it sound as though scientists know a lot about Fast Radio Bursts. In reality, we don’t. For instance, though we know they’re not from our galaxy, we don’t know where exactly they come from. We don’t know what causes them. And we’re not sure whether they might be useful as cosmological standards to measure the large-scale properties of our universe.

Dozens of theories about Fast Radio Bursts have been proposed. Some conform to standard physics. Others are more exotic, including cosmic strings – hypothetical, one-dimensional structures formed in the early universe – or even rather bizarre: one theory suggests that aliens are responsible.
 

One of the most baffling puzzles of modern astrophysics is the nature of Fast Radio Bursts, which were discovered in 2007.

Now, in an attempt to discover the truth about Fast Radio Bursts, we have created a catalogue that lists each theory, along with its pros and cons. Scientists from around the world can weigh in, and new data and discoveries will be added throughout the process.

Some of this data will come from projects on the African continent, like the Hydrogen Intensity and Real-time Analysis eXperient (HIRAX), MeerKAT, and the Square Kilometre Array (SKA), which are expected to discover and localise thousands of Fast Radio Bursts.

This platform will produce a great deal of knowledge. It will also provide valuable insight into scientific sociology as international researchers work together and ultimately, we hope, identify the most acceptable model.

A range of theories

Perhaps precisely because they are so elusive, Fast Radio Bursts have received a lot of attention from astronomers, astrophysicists, cosmologists, and physicists in the years since their discovery.
 

Now, in an attempt to discover the truth about Fast Radio Bursts, we have created a catalogue that lists each theory, along with its pros and cons.

These are the main theories that have emerged so far.

• Fast Radio Bursts involve types of neutron stars, such as pulsars (which rotate rapidly) or magnetars (which are highly magnetised). These are probably the most plausible theories, since neutron stars’ intrinsic and extremely large magnetic fields can naturally fulfil the energy requirements for Fast Radio Bursts.

• The merging of astronomical bodies (such as black holes, neutron stars and white dwarfs), and their collapse, has been proposed as a possible origin for Fast Radio Bursts.

In such processes, enormous amounts of energy are released over short timescales. This could possibly create radiation akin to Fast Radio Bursts.

• some of the more exotic models have a more theoretical basis. They involve hypothetical objects such as quark stars (quarks are the subatomic particles that constitute neutrons and protons), axion stars (axions are extremely light, hypothetical subatomic particles), and dark matter: the hypothetical, unobserved matter that is believed to account for 27% of the total matter content of the universe.

• Another fairly improbable theory is that Fast Radio Bursts are lightning striking on pulsars.

And then there’s the suggestion that Fast Radio Bursts are evidence of aliens. It’s certainly the most unusual of the proposed theories, but it cannot be ruled out as a possibility yet.
 

Dozens of theories about Fast Radio Bursts have been proposed. Some conform to standard physics. Others are more exotic...

Although it’s unlikely, Fast Radio Bursts may be signals from a beacon set up by an extraterrestrial civilisation, or perhaps from light sails that harness photons to travel across the galaxy.

There’s a remarkable variation in these models, and it’s hard work to narrow down the options and reach consensus. Of the 50 theories or models proposed to date, only three have been eliminated. This is what prompted us to set up the catalogue and to invite engagement from the broader scientific community.

Platform for debate

It’s no easy task to get scientists talking to each other about Fast Radio Bursts. That’s because the scientists in question have different specialisations and are from all over the world.
 

Data about Fast Radio Bursts is starting to pour in now, thanks to such game-changers as MeerKAT and HIRAX.

The online catalogue provides a suitable and accessible platform for discussion, debate, and the sharing of knowledge. There is also a traceable history, which creates an opportunity for us to study how as humans we work together to solve scientific problems – and perhaps how this process can be optimised in the future.

Part of our motivation, as theoretical physicists, was to develop this engagement and to dive in ourselves. The problems are rich and the waters are deep.

Data about Fast Radio Bursts is starting to pour in now, thanks to such game-changers as MeerKAT and HIRAX. As it arrives, is examined and papers are published, we’ll be able to start ruling out theories and digging deeper into viable theories. Within five years, this mystery could be solved.

Emma Platts is a PhD student specialising in cosmology and computational astrophysics in the Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics at UCT.

Amanda Weltman is the South African Research Chair in Physical Cosmology in the Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics at UCT.