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MIT Uncovers Surprising X-ray Polarization from Distant White Dwarf

11/22/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) researchers used NASA's Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer to study EX Hydrae, a white dwarf 200 light-years away.
They detected a high degree of X-ray polarization, indicating X-rays originate from a 2,000-mile gas column pulled from a companion star.
The polarization exceeded theoretical predictions.
The Astrophysical Journal published the study.

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Story summary

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) researchers used NASA's Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer to study EX Hydrae, a white dwarf 200 light-years away.
They detected a high degree of X-ray polarization, indicating X-rays originate from a 2,000-mile gas column pulled from a companion star.
The polarization exceeded theoretical predictions.
The Astrophysical Journal published the study.