The most important questions in pulsar- and fast transient research (and limitations through RFI)

Spitler L, Kirsten F, Nelles A, Wang P, Savaglio S (2026)

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2026

Journal

Proceedings of the International Astronomical Union Cambridge University Press

Book Volume: 20

Pages Range: 193-196

Journal Issue: A32

DOI: 10.1017/S1743921325000043

Abstract

Coherent emission from the magnetospheres of compact objects, such as radio pulsars and likely fast radio burst and long period transients, varies on short (fast) time scales. Observations of these sources occur primarily between 100 MHz and 10 GHz. Furthermore, particle showers from cosmic rays impacting Earth's atmosphere generate radio pulses on nanosecond-scales, which are detectable below 1 GHz. Radio frequency interference negatively impacts the science of fast transients. It can overwhelm the desired astrophysical signal, leaving the latter undetected, and introduce orders of magnitude more false positives than true positives. But most importantly, developing RFI mitigation techniques diverts person-hours away from scientific investigations of these interesting events.

Involved external institutions

Max-Planck-Institut für Radioastronomie / Max Planck Institute for Radio Astronomy DE Germany (DE) Onsala Space Observatory (OSO) SE Sweden (SE) Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY DE Germany (DE) National Astronomical Observatories, Chinese Academy of Sciences / 中国科学院国家天文台 (NAOC) CN China (CN) Università della Calabria (UNICAL) IT Italy (IT)

How to cite

APA:

Spitler, L., Kirsten, F., Nelles, A., Wang, P., & Savaglio, S. (2026). The most important questions in pulsar- and fast transient research (and limitations through RFI). Proceedings of the International Astronomical Union, 20(A32), 193-196. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1743921325000043

MLA:

Spitler, Laura, et al. "The most important questions in pulsar- and fast transient research (and limitations through RFI)." Proceedings of the International Astronomical Union 20.A32 (2026): 193-196.

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