Recently, a magnetar called 1E 1547.0−5408 has produced the strongest observational case so far that an intense magnetic field can change how light travels through otherwise empty space.
About Magnetar:
Magnetars are neutron stars having an ultrahigh magnetic field that are much stronger than the terrestrial magnetic field.
They are formed in the same way as all neutron stars, through the core-collapse of a massive star in a supernova explosion.
The idea of a magnetar was first proposed in 1987 and used to successfully explain soft gamma repeaters (SGR) in 1992.
Characteristics:
They are characterised by exceptionally strong magnetic fields, estimated to be a thousand times stronger than typical neutron stars.
The magnetic field of a magnetar is over one quadrillion times stronger than the magnetic field of Earth.
What powers the emission of high-energy electromagnetic radiation in them is the decay of magnetic fields in these objects.
Besides, magnetars display strong temporal variability, typically including a slow rotation, a rapid spin-down, bright but short bursts going on upto months-long outbursts.
Occasionally, they emit intense bursts of energy in the form of flares.
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