Optical and radio astrometry of the galaxy associated with FRB150418

TL;DR

This study uses optical and radio observations to analyze the galaxy associated with FRB150418, revealing a compact persistent radio source likely to be a weak AGN at the galaxy's center.

Contribution

First detailed multi-wavelength astrometric analysis of the galaxy linked to FRB150418, identifying a compact radio source as a probable weak AGN.

Findings

The persistent radio source is unresolved and compact (<0.01 kpc).

The radio source's position aligns with the optical galaxy center.

The galaxy likely hosts a weak radio AGN.

Abstract

A fading radio source, coincident in time and position with the fast radio burst FRB150418, has been associated with the galaxy WISE J071634.59-190039.2. Subsequent observations of this galaxy have revealed that it contains a persistent, but variable, radio source. We present e-MERLIN, VLBA, and ATCA radio observations and Subaru optical observations of WISE J071634.59-190039.2 and find that the persistent radio source is unresolved and must be compact (<0.01 kpc), and that its location is consistent with the optical centre of the galaxy. We conclude that it is likely that WISE J071634.59-190039.2 contains a weak radio AGN.