2026ApJ...998...15L


Query : 2026ApJ...998...15L

2026ApJ...998...15L - Astrophys. J., 998, 15 (2026/February-2)

Investigating the Anisotropy of Dispersion Measure Contribution from the Galactic Halo by Using Fast Radio Bursts.

LIU Y., WANG B., WU P., WEI J.-J. and WU X.-F.

Abstract (from CDS):

We propose a data-driven approach to reconstruct the all-sky distribution of the dispersion measure contribution from the Galactic halo (DMhalo) through a spherical harmonic expansion, enabling an investigation of its possible anisotropies. Based on the NE2001 model and using 92 localized and 574 unlocalized nonrepeating fast radio bursts (FRBs) at Galactic latitudes ∣b∣ > 15°, we find a significant dipole anisotropy in DMhalo, pointing toward (l = 130°, b = +5°) with a 1σ uncertainty of approximately 28°. The DMhalo value in this direction is 63 ± 9 pc cm–3, exceeding the all-sky mean by about 2.6σ. This result is not significantly affected by the choice of Galactic interstellar medium models. Furthermore, even when using a refined sample of 62 localized FRBs (excluding CHIME detections, repeaters, and unlocalized events), the dipole anisotropic structure persists, with a direction of (l = 141°, b = +51°) and a larger 1σ uncertainty of ∼44°. Model comparisons using the Akaike information criterion and Bayesian evidence yield consistent preferences, and together they suggest that current FRB data slightly favor the existence of a dipole structure in DMhalo. If this feature is not a statistical fluctuation or systematic error, its physical origin requires further investigation. Future FRB samples with larger sizes and more complete sky coverage will be essential to confirm or refute this possible anisotropic structure.

Abstract Copyright: © 2026. The Author(s). Published by the American Astronomical Society.

Journal keyword(s): Radio transient sources - High energy astrophysics - Circumgalactic medium - Cosmology

Simbad objects: 14

goto Full paper

goto View the references in ADS

Number of rows : 14
N Identifier Otype ICRS (J2000)
RA
ICRS (J2000)
DEC
Mag U Mag B Mag V Mag R Mag I Sp type #ref
1850 - 2026
#notes
1 M 31 AGN 00 42 44.330 +41 16 07.50 4.86 4.36 3.44     ~ 13622 1
2 NAME SMC G 00 52 38.0 -72 48 01   2.79 2.2     ~ 12317 1
3 FRB 20180916B rB 01 58 00.750 +65 43 00.30           ~ 457 0
4 FRB 20220319D rB 02 08 42.700 +71 02 06.94           ~ 39 0
5 NAME Magellanic Clouds GrG 03 00 -71.0           ~ 7988 0
6 NAME LMC G 05 23 34.6 -69 45 22     0.4     ~ 19090 0
7 FRB 20181119D rB 05 31 58.6980 +33 08 52.588           ~ 933 0
8 FRB 20221027A rB 08 43 29.230 +72 06 03.50           ~ 14 0
9 FRB 20190520B rB 16 02 04.270 -11 17 17.32           ~ 211 0
10 NAME Fermi Bubbles bub 17 45 -29.0           ~ 525 0
11 NAME Galactic Center reg 17 45 39.60213 -29 00 22.0000           ~ 16269 0
12 FRB 20220831A rB 22 34.8 +70 32           ~ 12 0
13 FRB 20210117A rB 22 39 55.015 -16 09 05.45           ~ 49 0
14 NAME Local Group GrG ~ ~           ~ 9325 0

To bookmark this query, right click on this link: simbad:objects in 2026ApJ...998...15L and select 'bookmark this link' or equivalent in the popup menu