Magnetars

Why in News?

Scientists studying magnetar 1E 1547.0−5408 using NASA's Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE) obtained strong evidence related to vacuum birefringence, a prediction of quantum electrodynamics.

What is a Magnetar?

A magnetar is a highly magnetised type of neutron star.

Formation

• Massive star undergoes supernova.
• Its core collapses.
• A tiny, extremely dense neutron star remains.
• Some neutron stars possess extraordinarily powerful magnetic fields → magnetars.

Characteristics

• Among the strongest magnetic fields known in the Universe.
• Can emit powerful:
  • X-rays
  • Gamma rays
• Associated with:
  • Starquakes
  • Giant flares
  • X-ray bursts

Current Scientific Importance

Magnetars act as natural laboratories for studying extreme physics.

Vacuum birefringence: Under extremely strong magnetic fields, quantum effects can alter how light propagates through apparently empty space.

Prelims: Magnetar → Neutron star → Extremely strong magnetic field.