The IXPE and multifrequency polarimetric view of the extreme blazars 1ES 1101-232 and RGB J0710+591
Abstract
Multiwavelength polarimetry offers a powerful tool to probe magnetic field and flow geometries in the relativistic jets of blazars. Sources with synchrotron emission that spans a broad frequency range, from radio to X-rays, such as High Synchrotron Peak (HSP) type BL Lac objects, are particularly interesting. Previous measurements including radio, optical, and X-ray data show a clear trend, with the degree of polarization increasing with frequency. Here we report radio, optical, and X-ray observations ( Swift , Nustar , and IXPE ) of 1ES 1101-232 and RGB J0710+591, two blazars belonging to the puzzling subclass of extreme BL Lacs (EHBL). For 1ES 1101-232, we find a strong frequency dependence of the degree of polarization, with a ratio Π X /Π O ≃ 5.2. For RGB J0710+591, IXPE derives a 1 σ upper limit Π X < 11.6%, comparable to the measured optical degree of polarization (average Π O ∼ 12%). We discuss the results in the framework of current interpretations and, in particular, we report an improved version of the stratified shock model that reproduces the observed data of both sources.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Astrophysics and Cosmic Phenomena
Neutrino Physics Research
Quantum and Classical Electrodynamics
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Publisher
- EDP Sciences
- Volume
- 709
- Pages
- A150–A150
- Publication date
- 1 April 2026
- Language
- EN