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NASA Solves Black Hole Jet X-ray Mystery with IXPE’s Polarization Powers


NASA’s IXPE has identified Compton scattering as the mechanism behind X-ray emissions in blazar jets. \

The blazar BL Lacertae, a giant black hole with jets, facing the earth, have made scientists curious about how X-rays are generated in such extreme conditions for a while. Leveraging IXPE's unique X-ray polarisation measuring ability, scientists conducted a focused observation on BL Lac in November 2023. Project scientist Steven Ehlert noted the need to observe more blazars, as their emissions vary over time.

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