Illustration: A view towards the black hole in the X-ray binary Cygnus X-3 and the X-rays we see that are reflected from the inner surface of the powerful outflow surrounding the hole. Credit: Alexander Mushtukov
Published: 27 September 2024

Webinar with Juri Poutanen
(University of Turku, Finland)

recorded on September 26, 2024

Game Changers Online Seminar
Neutron Stars
Game Changers Webinar
Black Holes

How to See the Unseen: Learning about the Geometry of the Emitting Region in Accreting Black Holes and Neutron Stars using X-ray Polarimetry

Webinar with Juri Poutanen (University of Turku, Finland)

recorded on September 26, 2024

Electromagnetic radiation observed from various cosmic sources is intrinsically polarized, with its polarization depending on the geometry and, specifically, the asymmetry of the source. Polarimetry offers an independent method for exploring the physics and astrophysics of cosmic objects, complementing traditional techniques such as imaging, spectroscopy, and timing. It enables us to determine the geometry of otherwise unresolved sources—for instance, identifying the orientation of the symmetry axis of a source or the magnetic field in the sky—providing insights that no other technique can offer.