Parkes observations for project P1171 semester 2022OCTS_01

The origin of Fast Radio Bursts (FRBs) is still unclear with a plethora of theoretical models for their origin. Several models predict associated multi-wavelength emission, but previous searches for optical, X-ray or gamma-ray counterparts of FRBs have not led to any detection. The Galactic magnetar SGR 1935+2154A has been observed to simultaneously emit FRB-like bursts and X-ray flares, which suggests that also extragalactic FRB sources may exhibit X-ray counterparts.\r\n\r\nBecause of the high cost of X-ray satellites and in face of the relatively low FRB detection probability in their small field of view, coordinated radio and X-ray observations are logistically very difficult to set up. We propose a new approach using the X-ray satellite XMM-Newton and the Parkes/Murriyang radio telescope to put constraints on the theoretical models: We aim to conduct shadowing observations with the Parkes telescope to search for new FRBs in fields that are simultaneously covered by XMM-Newton. We hereby target regular XMM observations of nearby (low-z) galaxies, since objects of this type have been previously identified as FRB hosts. In case of an FRB detection in the radio band, we will have guaranteed simultaneous X-ray coverage and will get detailed information about the associated X-ray spectrum and light curve.

快速射电暴（Fast Radio Bursts）的起源至今尚未明确，目前学界已提出诸多理论模型试图阐释其成因。部分模型预言快速射电暴会伴随多波段辐射，但此前针对其光学、X射线乃至伽马射线对应体的搜寻均未获得任何探测结果。人们已观测到银河系磁星SGR 1935+2154A同时爆发类快速射电暴脉冲与X射线耀发，这一发现暗示河外快速射电暴源或许也存在X射线对应体。

由于X射线卫星的部署与运营成本高昂，且其视场狭小导致快速射电暴的探测概率相对较低，因此协调开展射电与X射线联合观测在组织实施上难度极大。我们提出一种全新研究方案：借助X射线多镜面牛顿卫星（XMM-Newton）与帕克斯/穆里扬射电望远镜，对快速射电暴的相关理论模型施加约束。本计划将利用帕克斯望远镜开展同步伴随观测，在XMM-Newton同时覆盖的天区中搜寻新的快速射电暴。本次研究将以邻近（低红移）星系的常规XMM观测天区为目标，因为这类天体此前已被证实为快速射电暴的宿主星系。若在射电波段探测到快速射电暴，我们将可确保获得同步的X射线观测覆盖，并获取该快速射电暴伴随的X射线能谱与光变曲线的详细信息。