Shivani Bhandari (Swinburne Uni)

Shivani Bhandari Colloquium: Christmas FRBs and their multi-wavelength follow-ups

Marsfield Lecture Theatre

Abstract

Fast Radio Bursts (FRBs), exotic millisecond duration bursts which
are now established as a bona fide astrophysical phenomenon are currently the
hottest topic in the field of transient astronomy. The discovery of FRBs has
stimulated a range of theoretical investigations to understand their origin
and physics as well as observational efforts around the world to search for
more such bursts. New instrumentation capable of real-time detection at the
Parkes radio telescope has enabled prompt multi-wavelength follow-ups upon
detection. The ongoing SUPERB project at Parkes is discovering FRBs in real
time and effecting rapid multi-wavelength follow-ups which are a key to
determining FRB progenitors. In this talk, I will present latest SUPERB FRB
discoveries and the results of their radio, optical and X-ray follow-ups. I
will also summarise what is happening around the world for follow-up of FRBs
at all wavelengths to motivate further discussion. There is no more exciting
time to be involved in the field!