All articles tagged with #nasa ixpe
A new study published in Nature presents compelling evidence for vacuum birefringence, a quantum effect predicted in 1936. By observing the magnetar 1E 1547.0−5408, researchers found that its extreme magnetic field alters the polarization of X-rays in a way that matches quantum electrodynamics predictions, suggesting empty space acts like a prism.
A new study published in Nature suggests that empty space is not truly void but can act like a prism under extreme magnetic fields. Researchers analyzed data from the magnetar 1E 1547.0-5408, finding that its intense magnetic field alters how light travels, a phenomenon known as vacuum birefringence. This confirms a prediction made by Werner Heisenberg and Hans Euler in 1936, which had remained untested for 90 years due to the inability to generate such strong fields on Earth.
An international team has reported the strongest evidence yet for vacuum birefringence, a quantum effect predicted in 1936. By observing the magnetar 1E 1547-5408, researchers found that its extreme magnetic field alters the polarization of X-rays, suggesting that empty space is not truly empty but behaves as an optical medium under intense magnetic influence.
NASA's IXPE observed unexpected high polarization in the 'heartbeat' black hole IGR J17091-3624, challenging existing models and suggesting new insights into black hole environments, possibly involving winds or relativistic corona movement.
NASA's IXPE spacecraft observed a magnetar, 1E 1841-045, during its first active outburst, measuring X-ray polarization to better understand the magnetic and emission mechanisms of these extremely magnetic neutron stars, which are among the universe's most intense magnetic objects.