A regular superconductor in a magnetic field is like a campfire under water: superconductivity gets doused instantly. But in the UTe2 crystal, the picture is reversed. There, the magnetic 'rain' doesn’t put out the fire: it kindles three different kinds of quantum 'flames'.

Inside the crystal, electrons merge into a single quantum web and form a Bose–Einstein condensate — a wave that glides without resistance. The magnetic field alters the degree of chaos in this wave, causing it to reorganize, like a fire that doesn’t die in the rain but shimmers with new hues. Here, electromagnetism rules — the inseparable duo of electricity and magnetism. Electrons, displaying their duality (now a particle, now a wave), hang in a indeterminate state thanks to the uncertainty principle. And quantum laws of heat and invisible fields complete the picture.

The most resilient phase ignites at 34 tesla and keeps burning up to 70 tesla — twice as long as usual. This upends the typical scenario where magnetism and superconductivity are sworn enemies. Thanks to the work of John Bardeen and Lev Landau, we are stepping toward devices that are unfazed by magnetic storms.