Magnetars are neutron stars with ultra-strong magnetic fields, which can be observed in X-rays. Polarization measurements could provide information on their magnetic fields and surface properties. Now, astronomers using the NASA/ASI Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE) have observed polarized X-rays from a Galactic magnetar called 4U 0142+61 (PSR J0146+6145). An artist’s impression of a magnetar. Image credit: NASA’s Goddard Space Flight...
