West Virginia University researchers are making strides in understanding fast radio bursts (FRBs), compelling astronomical phenomena that last mere milliseconds. Discovered in 2007 by scientists at WVU’s Eberly College of Arts and Sciences, these brief flashes of radio light have been detected from numerous locations in space, some originating from distant galaxies.
Reshma Anna-Thomas, a fifth-year graduate research assistant in Physics and Astronomy, has dedicated her studies to FRBs. Originally from Kerala, India, she earned her master’s degree in integrated physics from Pondicherry University before relocating to West Virginia to pursue her passion for radio astronomy.
“My study focuses on finding them using large radio telescopes like the Green Bank Telescope in Pocahontas County and the Very Large Array in New Mexico,” Anna-Thomas said. “I also work on pinpointing their locations and determining their origins by studying the environment around them, which helps narrow down the possible sources of these enigmatic signals.”
Research indicates that FRBs likely originate from highly magnetized neutron stars, known as magnetars, which emit intense radio flares. “In the blink of an eye, they release as much energy as our sun emits over weeks or even months,” Anna-Thomas explained. “And they occur everywhere in the sky. But despite their power and ubiquitous nature, their origins are still unknown.”
Working with Sarah Burke-Spolaor, an associate professor at WVU, Anna-Thomas is part of the realfast collaboration at the Very Large Array, continuing the exploration of these mysterious bursts. She finds the concept of studying events from the universe’s past particularly fascinating, as the light waves captured at the Green Bank Telescope have traveled billions of years to reach Earth.
While the complexities of her research can be daunting, Anna-Thomas believes astronomy resonates with a wider audience. “I’m studying the Universe,” she said. “Astronomy naturally sparks curiosity in almost everyone. While the methodologies and the physics behind it might be technical, the questions we ask and the answers we solve are quite easy to grasp.”
Under the guidance of her academic advisors, Anna-Thomas has developed critical research skills, preparing her for a postdoctoral role at the Netherlands Institute for Radio Astronomy, where she will continue her work on FRBs.
Grateful for her family’s unwavering support, Anna-Thomas aims to inspire awareness among underprivileged communities—especially women—about the significance of education and financial independence. Reflecting on her time in West Virginia, she appreciates the contrast between her rigorous academic pursuits and the state’s scenic beauty.
“My favorite thing about living in West Virginia is the beautiful nature,” she said. “The quiet and peaceful outdoors are very helpful for winding down after a long day.”
