GBT24B-390

Exploring a New Pathway to Discover Fast Radio Bursts in Dwarf Galaxies

Abstract

Milliarcsecond-precision localization of the first fast radio burst FRB 20121102A unveiled a compact (< 1pc), persistent radio source (PRS) coincident with the position of the burst and offset from the center of the dwarf host galaxy. The second FRB-PRS pair, FRB20190520B, is remarkably similar to FRB 20121102A in its burst properties and host environment. The PRS association provides stringent constraints on the origin of FRBs which is currently unknown. However, given the small sample of PRSs discovered by FRBs, we can instead, blindly search for FRBs using PRSs as signposts which has not been explored before. From a sample of compact radio sources in nearby dwarf galaxies (z < 0.055), we have identified two most promising PRS candidates based on their similarities in observed properties when compared to the known PRSs and consistency with models. The identification of more FRB-PRS pairs will enable us to better understand and constrain the emission mechanism and distinguish progenitor channels of FRBs. We request GBT observations to perform a semester-long search for FRBs at the location of these two compact radio sources. This exploratory study will open new frontier for FRB discoveries via their persistent radio counterparts.

Investigators

Name	Institution
Yuxin Dong *	Northwestern University
RESHMA ANNA THOMAS	West Virginia University
Nicolas Tejos	Valparaíso, Pontificia Universidad Católica de
Charles Kilpatrick	Northwestern University; California at Santa Cruz, University of; Arizona, University of
Wen-fai Fong	Northwestern University; Arizona, University of
Tarraneh Eftekhari	Northwestern University

* indicates the PI