Scientists have achieved a breakthrough in understanding the behavior of matter around black holes, utilizing a unique balloon-borne telescope to capture unprecedented data on the Cygnus X-1 system some 7,000 light-years away. The research, published recently in *The Astrophysical Journal* [[1]] and [[2]], marks the most precise measurement yet of hard X-ray polarization, offering new insights into the extreme physics governing these cosmic phenomena. By measuring the polarization of light, researchers were able to analyze the structure of gas and matter swirling around the black hole-a feat impossible with conventional imaging techniques [[3]].
An international team of physicists from Washington University in St. Louis has obtained unprecedented data detailing how matter is consumed by black holes, and the reasons behind the massive energy and light released during this process. The research, conducted using the XL Calibur telescope aboard a high-altitude balloon, focused on the black hole Cygnus X-1, located approximately 7,000 light-years from Earth. The balloon launched from Sweden in July 2024, traveling towards Canada to observe the celestial phenomenon.
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Polarization Measurement Technology Reveals Structure Around the Black Hole
The XL Calibur telescope’s ability to measure the polarization of light – the direction of oscillation of the electromagnetic field – proved crucial to the study. This technology allowed scientists to analyze the structure of the hot gas and matter swirling around the black hole, and to test modern computational models describing the physical processes in its vicinity. According to science.mail, the findings, published in the Astrophysical Journal, represent the most precise measurement to date of the polarization of hard X-rays emitted from Cygnus X-1. This level of detail is enabling a deeper understanding of the extreme environments surrounding these cosmic objects.
The Importance of Polarization in Black Hole Studies
“Observing Cygnus X-1 from Earth appears as a small point of X-rays,” explained Ephraim Gao, a graduate student involved in the research. “Traditional imaging of what’s happening around the black hole isn’t possible. Polarization provides the necessary information to understand the environment when other observation methods are not feasible.”
Future Plans to Explore Other Cosmic Bodies
The team is preparing for a new phase of research in 2027, with the telescope launching from Antarctica to study a larger number of black holes and neutron stars. Previously, Science Mail reported on astronomers successfully unraveling the mystery of the diamond ring phenomenon in the Cygnus X-1 nebula.
