Spatially Resolved Polarization Variation of the Crab Nebula

Abstract

We examined the spatially resolved polarization variations in the Crab Nebula over 2 yr, using observational data from the Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer, and offer key insights into its magnetic field structures and evolution. The results show significant temporal changes in the polarization degree (PD) across three regions of interest in the 2–8 keV energy band. Regions (a) and (b), located in the northern and the southwestern parts of the study area, exhibit PD variations with significance levels greater than 4 σ and 3 σ , respectively. Region (c), located in the southwest, shows a notable decrease in PD with a significance greater than 5 σ . However, no significant variation in the polarization angle was observed. Meanwhile, notable flux variations were detected, likely influenced by dynamic processes such as magnetized turbulence within the nebula.

Keywords

• Pulsar wind nebulae
• Polarimetry
• X-ray astronomy