A Sudden Signal Flare Reveals the Hidden Partner Behind Fast Radio Bursts

A sudden signal flare reveals the hidden partner behind fast radio bursts

A repeating fast radio burst has just given up one of its biggest secrets. Long-term observations revealed a rare signal flare caused by plasma likely ejected from a nearby companion star. This shows the burst source isn’t alone, but part of a binary system. The finding strengthens the case that magnetars interacting with stellar companions can generate repeating cosmic flashes.

The "China Sky Eye" Traces Fast Radio Bursts to a Binary Star System

An international team of astronomers has uncovered the first definitive evidence that at least some fast radio bursts (FRBs) originate in binary stellar systems.

China Sky Eye tracks binary-triggered fast radio burst activity

Tokyo, Japan (SPX) Jan 19, 2026 An international team of astronomers has obtained the first decisive evidence that at least some fast radio bursts originate in binary stellar systems rather than from isolated objects. The work centers on an active repeating fast radio burst source about 2.5 billion light years away that shows a sudden and transient change in its magnetic environment consistent with material expelled from a ste