NASA Solves Black Hole Jet X 246v4o ray Mystery with IXPE’s Polarization Powers

NASA’s IXPE has identified Compton scattering as the mechanism behind X-ray emissions in blazar jets. \ 1y3t3i

Written by Gadgets 360 Staff | Updated: 9 May 2025 23:00 IST

NASA Solves Black Hole Jet X-ray Mystery with IXPE’s Polarization Powers

Photo Credit: NASA/Pablo Garcia 1v3a1k

NASA’s IXPE found BL Lacertae’s X-rays are caused by magnetic fields

Highlights

IXPE saw record 47.5% optical polarization in blazar BL Lacertae in 2023
X-ray polarization stayed low, confirmed Compton scattering by electrons
Findings rule out proton models and deepen insight into black hole jets

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The blazar BL Lacertae, a giant black hole with jets, facing the earth, have made scientists curious about how X-rays are generated in such extreme conditions for a while. telescopes and using polarisation measurements of X-ray, IXPE's produced results indicates that the interaction between fast-moving electrons and photons might be the reason for X-ray emission in such conditions.

Evidence of Compton Scattering 3f610

According to the IXPE's findings, high optical to X-ray polarization ratio indicates that Compton scattering might be the mechanism of X-ray generation. There are two possible and competing explanations of X-ray emission in blazar jets. One saying if the X-rays in the black hole jets are highly polarised, then the X-rays are generated from interactions between photons while the other says a low polarisation indicates X-ray formation by electron-photon interaction.

Leveraging IXPE's unique IXPE found the X-ray polarization to be much lower, capped at 7.6%. This contrast s the Compton scattering and possibly irradicates the photon-based explanation.

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Milestone for blazar studies 1n27i

“This was one of the biggest mysteries about supermassive black hole jets,” said Iván Agudo, lead author of the study and astronomer at the Instituto de Astrofísica de Andalucía – CSIC in Spain. The discovery validates IXPE's mission, launched in December 2021 to study X-ray polarization.

Astrophysicist Enrico Costa, called it one of IXPE's most significant achievements. Yet, this is just the beginning. Project scientist Steven Ehlert noted the need to observe more blazars, as their emissions vary over time. With IXPE, astronomers are now better equipped to explore these powerful cosmic jets.

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