Astrophysics found a paradox decision, according to which a mysterious signal, which was detected in the analysis of the polarization of sunlight, implies that the solar chromosphere is practically not magnetized, which contradicts generally accepted views. This is reported in the article published in the magazine Physical Review Letters.
Linear polarization signal created by scattering processes appears at the wavelength of the neutral sodium line (the so-called line D1), where, according to quantum mechanics, such a polarization of the scattering should not be. The researchers explained this signal to the absence of chromospheric magnetization, although it was believed that this area is permeated with magnetic fields. Such a paradox forced some scientists to doubt the existing quantum theory of interaction between matter and radiation.
In the new work, the researchers simulated the polarization of the solar line D1. It turned out that polarization signals can be properly explained by the presence of weak magnetic fields. The solution of a 20-year-old paradox of solar polarization of the D1 line proves the justice of the modern quantum theory of polarization of spectral lines and opens up new opportunities for the study of the solar atmosphere.