“中国天眼”新发现：宇宙神秘“闪光”来自双星系统

Core Viewpoint - The Chinese 500-meter Aperture Spherical Telescope (FAST) has made a significant breakthrough in understanding the origin of fast radio bursts (FRBs), providing key evidence that supports the theory of their origin in binary star systems [1][2]. Group 1: Research Findings - The research team, led by the Purple Mountain Observatory of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, monitored a repeating fast radio burst named FRB 20220529 for over two years, focusing on a metric called the "Faraday rotation measure," which reflects the magnetic environment along the signal's path [2]. - In December 2023, the team observed a significant spike in the Faraday rotation measure, reaching approximately 20 times its normal fluctuation level, followed by a gradual return to normal within two weeks, marking the first detailed record of such a rapid and reversible change in FRB research [2]. - The observed magnetic environment change is believed to be caused by a cloud of magnetized charged material briefly passing through the line of sight, supporting the binary star system origin theory rather than a solitary neutron star [2]. Group 2: Technological and Collaborative Aspects - The successful detection and recording of the faint target signal demonstrate the advanced sensitivity of FAST, showcasing the strength of China's major scientific infrastructure and the collaborative capabilities of its research teams [3]. - The research was a collaborative effort involving multiple institutions, and the findings were published online in the international journal "Science" [3]. - Future upgrades to FAST will include the construction of an array system to further enhance observational capabilities, aiding in the exploration of cosmic mysteries [3].