Overview

• Researchers combined 15 years of VLBA data from the MOJAVE and MuSES programs to produce an ultra-high-resolution stacked image of the blazar’s jet.
• Polarized radio signals mapped a near-perfect toroidal magnetic field encircling the jet cone of PKS 1424+240.
• A viewing angle below 0.6° explains the source’s extreme emissions through relativistic beaming while making its radio jet appear to move slowly.
• Authors interpret the magnetic geometry as evidence that the jet can accelerate protons and drive production of the observed high-energy neutrinos.
• The result highlights the power of long-term VLBI monitoring and urges coordinated multi-wavelength and neutrino observations to confirm proton-driven neutrino production.