“中国天眼”,有新突破!
券商中国·2026-01-16 04:22

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses a significant breakthrough in the study of fast radio bursts (FRBs) by the Chinese research team using the Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical Telescope (FAST), providing strong evidence that FRBs may originate from binary star systems [1][3]. Group 1: Research Findings - The research team captured the detailed evolution of the Faraday rotation measure (RM) of a repeating FRB, which showed a dramatic spike and subsequent drop, marking the first observation of such a phenomenon in recorded FRB history [2][3]. - The observed RM of FRB 20220529 increased to 20 times its normal fluctuation level before returning to the typical range within two weeks, indicating a significant environmental change around the source [2]. - The core physical mechanism behind this phenomenon is attributed to a dense, magnetized plasma cloud from the FRB's source passing through the line of sight to Earth, similar to solar coronal mass ejections [2]. Group 2: Theoretical Implications - Current theories cannot explain the rapid and large-scale changes in the magnetic environment if FRB 20220529 originated from a solitary neutron star; however, if it is part of a binary system, the intense activity from a companion star could account for the observed RM fluctuations [3]. Group 3: Future Developments - FAST is set to undergo upgrades to establish a giant integrated aperture array, enhancing its observational capabilities and solidifying China's leading position in low-frequency radio astronomy [4]. - The upgraded FAST will significantly improve spatial resolution and sensitivity, aiding in the understanding of FRB origins and addressing other astrophysical mysteries [4].