New Insights into the Polarimetric Behavior of GX 13+1

A recent study has provided new insights into the behavior of the galactic X-ray burster GX 13+1, utilizing polarimetric observations from the Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE). This source was first observed in October 2023, revealing a variable polarization level between 2% and 5%. The observations indicated a rotation of the polarization angle, suggesting a misalignment within the system. A follow-up observation in February 2024, complemented by data from Swift/XRT, measured an overall polarization degree of 2.5% and a polarization angle of 24 degrees. The study highlights the significance of the wind in the system and confirms the expectation of misalignment, associating the harder component with the boundary layer. The researchers noted differences in the variation of polarimetric properties over time and energy levels.

The findings are crucial for understanding the dynamics of weakly magnetized neutron stars (WMNS), which have been challenging to study due to their complex nature. The polarimetric data enhances the existing knowledge about the interactions within the accretion disk and the surrounding environment of these celestial bodies. This research contributes to the broader field of high-energy astrophysics by refining models of WMNS behavior and their polarimetric characteristics.

For further details, the study is titled "New polarimetric study of the galactic X-ray burster GX 13+1" and can be accessed through arXiv: arXiv:2404.01859.