Detects radio bursts in an M-dwarf binary, suggesting coherent emission processes from superflares.
Superflares are frequently observed on magnetically active stars, particularly on active M-dwarfs, thereby influencing the habitability of nearby exoplanets. However, the causes of superflares remain unclear. Here, combining FAST and TESS, we detected a finely structured decimetric radio burst appearing as groups of spikes during a white-light superflare (total bolometric energy ~ 10³³ \ erg) on the M-dwarf binary EQ Peg on September 8th, 2022. The most significant ones appeared near the peak time of the optical flare and lasted for about 100 \ s. The radio spikes present extremely high brightness temperatures (10¹³ \ K) and high degrees of circular polarization (~ 0.84 ± 0.16), indicating the origin of a coherent emission process, most likely the electron cyclotron maser. Assuming that the emission originates from the large-scale dipolar magnetic field, based on Zeeman-Doppler Imaging measurements of EQ Peg, we further locate the sources of the radio spikes, including their heights and latitudes. The results provide strong evidence for finely structured decimetric radio bursts generated by stellar flares and shed light on the origin of superflares.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Zhao et al. (2026) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: