# Observation of vacuum birefringence in magnetar 1E 1547-5408

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/observation-of-vacuum-birefringence-in-magnetar-1e-1547-5408
> Updated: 2026-08-27T01:01:50.000Z. Sources: 3. Developments: 2.

Astronomers using NASA’s Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE), the NICER X-ray instrument, and Australia’s Murriyang radio telescope have observed the magnetar 1E 1547-5408. The coordinated observations, lasting over 140 hours, revealed X-ray polarization three times higher than similar sources, aligning with the star’s magnetic field.

These findings provide direct evidence of vacuum birefringence, a quantum-electrodynamics prediction first proposed in 1936. The magnetar’s magnetic field, which is over a trillion times stronger than any laboratory magnet, acts as a prism that polarizes light. Researchers noted that the magnetar’s magnetic and rotational axes appear nearly aligned, creating a unique natural laboratory for studying how extreme magnetic fields cause virtual particles in a vacuum to alter light travel.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-27: Quantum physics breakthroughs reveal new insights into empty space

Physicists and astronomers have achieved breakthroughs in observing quantum phenomena, including direct imaging of quantum field fluctuations and potential detection of vacuum birefringence around a magnetar.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/quantum-physics-breakthroughs-reveal-new-insights-into-empty-space

### 2026-08-05: NASA's IXPE Detects Vacuum Birefringence in Magnetar 1E 1547‑5408

NASA’s IXPE, NICER and Australia’s Murriyang telescope observed magnetar 1E 1547‑5408, providing the first direct evidence of vacuum birefringence, a 90‑year‑old quantum theory.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nasas-ixpe-detects-vacuum-birefringence-in-magnetar-1e-15475408

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Cite as: Observation of vacuum birefringence in magnetar 1E 1547-5408. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/observation-of-vacuum-birefringence-in-magnetar-1e-1547-5408