T. Takahashi

The crystal resembles a layered pie: alternating layers of europium, gallium, and aluminum atoms stack in a strict order. Usually, such materials shouldn't surprise us with magnetism: they are too symmetric. But inside this crystal, magnetic vortices were found, resembling tiny whirlpools that arrange into neat lattices.

Imagine a huge stadium packed with people dressed in black. You're standing outside, trying to figure out what's happening inside, even though you can't see a single person. But if two people bump into each other and exchange bright T-shirts, you'd spot a flash of color.