Parkes observations for project P1171 semester 2025APRS_01

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The origin of Fast Radio Bursts (FRBs) is still unclear with a plethora of theoretical models for their origin.
Several models predict associated multi-wavelength emission, but previous searches for optical, X-ray or
gamma-ray counterparts of FRBs have not led to any detection. The Galactic magnetar SGR 1935+2154A has
been observed to simultaneously emit FRB-like bursts and X-ray flares, which suggests that also extragalactic
FRB sources may exhibit X-ray counterparts. Because of the high cost of X-ray satellites and in face of the
relatively low FRB detection probability in their small field of view, coordinated radio and X-ray observations are
logistically very difficult to set up. We propose a new approach using the X-ray satellite XMM-Newton and the
Parkes/Murriyang radio telescope to put constraints on the theoretical models: We aim to conduct shadowing
observations with the Parkes telescope to search for new FRBs in fields that are simultaneously covered by
XMM-Newton. We hereby target regular XMM observations of nearby (low-z) galaxies, to increase our
detection chances of possibly associated X-ray emission. In case of an FRB detection in the radio band, we will
have guaranteed simultaneous X-ray coverage and will get detailed information about the associated X-ray
spectrum and light curve since all XMM-Newton data will become public a year after the observation.