Parkes observations for project P1171 semester 2022OCTS_08

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. Because 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，FRBs）的起源至今尚无定论，学界已提出诸多理论模型阐释其成因。部分模型预言FRB会伴随多波段辐射，但此前针对FRB的光学、X射线或伽马射线对应体的搜寻均未获得有效探测结果。已观测到银河系内磁星SGR 1935+2154A同时爆发类FRB脉冲与X射线耀发，这表明河外FRB源或许也存在X射线对应体。由于X射线卫星造价高昂，且其视场狭小导致FRB探测概率相对较低，因此协同开展射电与X射线观测在实施层面极具难度。我们提议采用XMM-牛顿X射线卫星与帕克斯/穆里扬射电望远镜开展新研究，以约束相关理论模型：计划借助帕克斯望远镜开展联动观测，在XMM-牛顿同时覆盖的天区中搜寻新的FRB。本次研究将瞄准邻近低红移（low-z）星系的常规XMM观测计划，因为此类天体此前已被证实为FRB宿主星系。若在射电波段探测到FRB，我们将可确保获得同步的X射线覆盖数据，并获取该FRB对应的X射线光谱与光变曲线的详细信息。