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arXiv · 2608.14830

X-ray thread/Nonthermal Radio Filament associations: Evidence for Interstellar Magnetic Reconnection

Q. Daniel Wang
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Abstract

Nonthermal radio filaments (NTFs), first discovered at 20-centimeter wavelength more than four decades ago, are among the most enigmatic structures at the Galactic Center. They still defy a clear explanation. These striking narrow features trace intense magnetic fields and often stand in bold contrast to the Galactic plane. Recent discoveries have revealed surprising associations: some NTFs align well with X-ray threads that seem to exhibit Fe He-$\alpha$ emission. Here, I present preliminary results from an ongoing, collaborative, multi-wavelength study aimed at understanding the origins of these filaments, focusing on testing the magnetic reconnection scenario of these associations and shedding new light on the high-energy processes and magnetic phenomena operating under extreme conditions at the heart of our Galaxy.

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Q. Daniel Wang. 2026-08-14. X-ray thread/Nonthermal Radio Filament associations: Evidence for Interstellar Magnetic Reconnection. https://arxiv.org/abs/2608.14830

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