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X-ray polarization

Two technicians work on the drive assembly of a large optical telescope.

news report

NASA IXPE Magnetar Data May Show Vacuum Birefringence for First Time

A 140-hour campaign recorded unusually strong X-ray polarization around 1E 1547-5408, offering the clearest evidence yet for a 90-year-old physics prediction.

August 9, 2026, 10:42 a.m. CDT