NASA's IXPE detects 80% X-ray polarization from magnetar 1E 1547.0-5408
What happened
NASA's IXPE observatory detected X-ray polarization of about 80% from the magnetar 1E 1547.0-5408. The measurement probes extreme magnetic fields and tests quantum electrodynamics predictions such as vacuum birefringence, a long-standing but previously unconfirmed effect. The finding was reported in a scientific paper and shared on Hacker News.
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Why it's spreading
Timeline
- Reported IXPE detection of high X-ray polarization from magnetarHacker News