Unsolved Mystery: Where Do These X-Rays Come From?

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    Mystery X-rays
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the origins of X-rays in space, particularly focusing on a recent study that highlights both established sources and a new mystery regarding unidentified X-ray emissions. Participants explore various theoretical explanations and phenomena related to the generation of X-rays, including the role of magnetic fields and specific particles.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant references a study indicating that some X-rays originate from known sources while others remain unidentified.
  • Another participant suggests that theoretical particles, such as axions, produced by stars and supernovae, may convert into X-ray photons in the Earth's magnetic field.
  • A similar claim about axions is reiterated, with a request for a reliable source to support this assertion.
  • A participant mentions having encountered the concept of particles changing to photons in a magnetic field in their A level physics textbook.
  • One participant proposes that the origin of X-ray photons in a magnetic field could be analogous to neutrino oscillations, suggesting that passage through a magnetic field alters certain particles, leading to X-ray production.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express various hypotheses regarding the origins of X-rays, with no consensus reached on the validity of specific theories or the sources of the unidentified X-rays.

Contextual Notes

Some claims depend on theoretical frameworks that may not be universally accepted, and there are unresolved questions regarding the mechanisms by which particles convert to photons in magnetic fields.

wolram
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Has anyone an idea where these X rays come from?

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/09/160926104700.htm

From Science daily,

Space is filled with types of light we can't see -- from infrared signals released by hot stars and galaxies, to the cosmic microwave background. Some of this invisible light that fills space takes the form of X-rays, the source of which has been hotly contended over the past few decades. A new study confirms some ideas about where these X-rays come from, shedding light on our solar neighborhood's early history. But it also reveals a new mystery -- an entire group of X-rays that don't come from any known source.
 
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I have heard about some particles which can change to photons in a magnetic field such as the Earth's magnetic field. For example the particles axioms are theoretical particles that are produced by stars and supernova and when our sun produces them they are converted into X-ray photons in the Earth's magnetic field.
 
StanEvans said:
I have heard about some particles which can change to photons in a magnetic field such as the Earth's magnetic field. For example the particles axioms are theoretical particles that are produced by stars and supernova and when our sun produces them they are converted into X-ray photons in the Earth's magnetic field.

do you have a reliable source for that please ?
 
I read about this theoretical phenomenon in my A level physics textbook, OCR A Level Physics A 2015: Student book 2 (OCR GCE Science 2015).
 
I would hazard to guess the origin of x ray photons in a magnetic field as an example of a mixed state, similar to the phenomenon of neutrino oscillations as discussed here https://profmattstrassler.com/artic...nos/neutrino-types-and-neutrino-oscillations/. Passage through a magnetic field sometimes alters certain particles at certain energy levels and production of x ray photons are one of the consequences.
 

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