Hidden Nuclear Magnetism Unveiled as Source of Unexpected Gamma Rays

Scientists have resolved a long‑standing puzzle about the origin of abundant low‑energy gamma rays emitted by certain atomic nuclei. A recent experiment demonstrated that the phenomenon arises from magnetic reconfigurations inside the nucleus, where protons and neutrons flip their intrinsic magnetic moments. By mapping these internal magnetic changes, researchers can now refine theoretical models of nuclear behavior. The findings promise to improve our understanding of nuclear reactions on Earth and the synthesis of heavy elements in stellar environments, including supernovae and neutron‑star mergers.