Magnetar Confirms: The Vacuum Isn't Empty ⚡ экспресс
Original: "Evidence of magnetospheric vacuum birefringence in the polarized X-rays of a radio magnetar"
The ultra-strong magnetic field of a neutron star transforms empty space into a crystal-like state—and we've finally seen it.
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A dead star's ultra-strong magnetic field turns empty space into a crystal that bends light. Astronomers have spotted this quantum effect for the first time, 80 years after it was predicted. It might help explain the nature of mysterious radio bursts from distant galaxies.
🎯 The magnetic field of this magnetar is 100 billion times stronger than a fridge magnet's: it can tear apart water molecules from a thousand kilometers away.