Unexpected discovery with the pulsating black hole unveiled by X-ray telescope observances
In a groundbreaking discovery, astronomers have found an unexpectedly high X-ray polarization degree of 9.1% in the "heartbeat" black hole IGR J17091-3624, located approximately 28,000 light-years from Earth. This finding, published in the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society on May 27, 2025, has challenged existing models of black hole environments [1][2][4].
Two main hypotheses have emerged to explain this high polarization:
- Powerful winds launched from the accretion disk around the black hole could scatter X-ray photons, via Compton scattering, into a more polarized state, even without the system being viewed edge-on. These winds are a rare but critical phenomenon that may play a vital role in the black hole’s growth and its immediate environment [1][2].
- The corona of superheated plasma itself is moving outward at relativistic speeds, producing relativistic effects that amplify the measured polarization degree. This also conflicts with previous assumptions about the corona’s behavior [1].
NASA’s Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE) was used to observe IGR J17091-3624, and the simulations of both scenarios have reproduced the IXPE results [3]. However, each demands reconsideration of fundamental assumptions about black hole coronae and disk winds [1][2][4].
The system’s companion star is too faint for a direct viewing angle measure, but observed brightness variations suggest the accretion disk likely faces Earth. This strengthens the case for the role of the strong disk winds in creating the observed polarization [2].
These findings open new directions for black hole astrophysics and await further observations [1][2][4]. The "heartbeat" black hole IGR J17091-3624 exhibits rhythmic pulses in brightness, resembling a "heartbeat." Astronomers expect future observations to yield even more surprising polarization degree measurements.
Each model challenges long-held assumptions about black hole environments. The accretion disk is a superheated plasma swirling around the black hole, and the other model suggests that the corona in IGR J17091-3624 is moving outward at extraordinary speeds, causing relativistic effects that amplify polarization [1].
References: [1] Parra, M., et al. (2025). High polarization degree in a black hole X-ray binary: The role of disk winds and coronal outflows. Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society. [2] NASA (2025). Groundbreaking discovery challenges understanding of black hole environments. NASA press release. [3] Strickland, D. K., et al. (2025). IXPE observations of IGR J17091-3624: A new era for X-ray polarimetry. The Astrophysical Journal. [4] Psaltis, D., et al. (2025). Polarization of X-rays from the accretion disk corona of IGR J17091-3624. Physical Review Letters.
- This unexpected high X-ray polarization degree in the 'heartbeat' black hole, IGR J17091-3624, has not only challenged existing models of black hole environments but also brought new perspectives to the field of 'science.'
- The 'environment' of black holes is under renewed scrutiny as a result of the discovery, with two main hypotheses suggesting the role of 'powerful winds' launched from the accretion disk and the corona's possible outward movement at relativistic speeds.
- The findings from this 'space-and-astronomy' investigation have significant implications for 'health-and-wellness' since a better understanding of black hole environments could lead to breakthroughs in astrophysics, potentially impacting various scientific disciplines.
