DOI

https://doi.org/10.48717/2m87-ak68

Project

EM135

Title

e-EVN: Test, em135a, rsg09b, eg102f, rsc04

Abstract

Precise localizations are critical for understanding the enigmatic Fast Radio Bursts (FRBs). The first and only precise localization of an FRB (the only known repeater, FRB121102), performed using the VLA and EVN, has lead to the only association of an FRB with a host galaxy, persistent sources, and a detailed knowledge of its extreme environment. However, FRB121102 is the only known repeating FRB among the ~30 FRBs published so far. Without the identification of other repeaters and other localizations we cannot clarify if FRB121102 is a representative example or whether there are multiple types of FRBs. Many FRBs will be discovered in the northern sky in the coming year by CHIME; some of these are bound to repeat. We request triggered eEVN observations of newly discovered repeating FRBs to perform a precise localization of the source and study any persistent radio counterpart. Furthermore, if CHIME or another facility detects a non-repeating FRB that can be associated with persistent radio counterparts, we would also trigger an observation to study its compactness on milliarcsecond scales. The localization of more than one FRB is the only way to unveil the nature of FRBs and clarify if FRB121102 is indeed an exceptional case.