News Astronomy

A fast radio burst’s unlikely source may be a cluster of old stars

Its origin challenges assumptions about what causes these enigmatic signals

illustration of galaxy M81 next to a cluster of old stars

A cluster of old stars orbiting the galaxy M81 (illustrated) is home to an enigmatic source of repeating blasts of radio waves, challenging theories about what causes such bursts.

Danielle Futselaar/ASTRON

By Mara Johnson-Groh

- More than 2 years ago

In a galaxy not so far away, astronomers have located a surprising source of a mysterious, rapid radio signal.