X-ray polarimetry of the neutron star binaries with Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE)

by Anna Bobrikova (University of Turku)

Tuesday 4 Jun 2024, 13:00 → 14:00 Europe/Berlin

A-110 (ENC)

Neutron stars are enigmatic objects: heavier than the Sun, smaller than an average city, and denser than an atomic nucleus, they present a challenge for astronomers and material physicists. X-ray polarimetry allows us to study the geometry and physical processes happening close to the surface of the neutron stars in binary systems. In my talk, I introduce the Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE), the first dedicated X-ray polarimetry observatory launched in December 2021. I give a brief overview of the IXPE highlights and focus specifically on the polarimetric studies of the neutron star binary systems.