Publication date: August 10, 2026
A research team from the Institute of Nuclear Physics of the Polish Academy of Sciences (IFJ PAN), led by Dr. Hab. Alicja Wierzcholska, in collaboration with scientists from Heidelberg University, has published the results of an analysis of the blazar PKS 2155-304. Blazars are among the most energetic and mysterious objects in the Universe—they are active galaxies with matter jets directed towards Earth.
The analysis of 20 years of measurements challenges existing theoretical models and contradicts conclusions drawn from short-term observations. The research results, published in the Journal of High Energy Astrophysics, demonstrate that phenomena occurring in blazars are far more complex than previously thought, and their full understanding requires long-term, multi-wavelength monitoring. Furthermore, the findings strengthen the hypothesis that blazars may be sources of high-energy neutrinos reaching Earth, which could be crucial for explaining the origin of cosmic radiation.
Additionally, the expected correlation between changes in the optical and X-ray ranges was not confirmed, suggesting that different physical mechanisms are responsible for various flares.
The analysis of the extensive research material and complex multi-wavelength data was made possible by using the Helios supercomputer operational at ACC Cyfronet AGH. The long-standing, partnership-based cooperation between Cyfronet and IFJ PAN is a model example of synergy between outstanding research potential and advanced HPC infrastructure, resulting in discoveries of global significance.
We invite you to read the press release on the IFJ PAN website.
