A FRB in a Globular Cluster: Why Is This Neutron Star Different From (Almost) All Other Neutron Stars?

Understand

Most Fast Radio Burst (FRB) models are built from comparatively common astronomical objects: neutron stars, black holes and supernova remnants.

• Yet FRB sources are rare, and most of these objects, found in the Galaxy, do not make FRB.
• Special and rare circumstances may be required for these common objects to be sources of FRB.
• The recent discovery of a repeating FRB in a globular cluster belonging to the galaxy M81 suggests a model involving a neutron star and a close binary companion, likely a white dwarf; both neutron stars and close binaries are superabundant in globular clusters.