Astronomers, using the ASKAP radio interferometer, nicknamed the "Eye of Sauron", have detected fast radio bursts of a rare type, the source of which is unknown. This is reported by the Daily Mail.
Signals caught by the instrument last only a few milliseconds. Scientists have determined that they come from the constellation Leo and originated, presumably, several billion light-years from Earth.
The researchers registered the radio flash when only 8 of the 36 "plates" of the interferometer were in operation. This allowed astronomers to track an area of the sky of 240 square degrees. According to astronomers, the pulse, named FRB170107, was only "seen" because it was powerful. However, scientists believe they will be able to pick up weaker signals if they use additional antennas.
The first fast radio pulse was detected in 2001 by the Parks radio telescope of the Australian State Scientific and Applied Research Association, the data from which were processed only by 2007. Since then, more than 10 such signals have been confirmed.
Sauron is a character in the Lord of the Rings trilogy by British writer J. R. R. Tolkien and her film adaptation of the same name directed by Peter Jackson. It is an antagonist and looks like a huge fiery eye that can see long distances.
