Astronomers Pinpoint Fast Radio Burst Origin Near Magnetar

A groundbreaking study confirms fast radio bursts can emerge from the magnetospheres of highly magnetic neutron stars for the first time.

Scientists traced the fast radio burst FRB 20221022A to a magnetar located in a galaxy 200 million light-years away.
The study provides the first conclusive evidence that fast radio bursts can originate within the magnetosphere of magnetars, regions with extreme magnetic fields.
Using a technique based on scintillation, researchers determined the burst occurred within 10,000 kilometers of the neutron star, a remarkably close proximity.
The burst’s light exhibited unique polarization patterns, further supporting its origin near the magnetar and marking a significant breakthrough in fast radio burst research.
The findings highlight the diversity of fast radio burst mechanisms and suggest the scintillation method can reveal more about their origins and physical processes.