X-ray astronomy is helping to reveal newdetails about the nature of the universe.<\/p>\n
Why it matters: For thousands of years, humanity's understanding of the universe has been dominated by what can be seen. Now, by measuring the invisible X-rays, infrared signals and gravitational waves emitted across the universe, scientists are getting a clearer understanding of the events that shape the cosmos. <\/p>\n
What's happening: Several X-ray missions large and small are active today, including NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory and the European Space Agency's (ESA) XMM-Newton. Both launched in 1999. <\/p>\n
Background: When stars are born, they emit X-rays that can move through dust and gas carrying information about the young stars and their development. <\/p>\n
How it works: Unlike optical telescopes that focus incoming photons that bounce nearly head-on off mirrors, X-ray telescopes focus the high-energy X-ray photons to a detector at an angle similar to \"skipping stones off the surface of a pond,\" says Tremblay. <\/p>\n
The big picture: X-ray astronomy has existed for more than two decades but the science is now \"coming of age,\" Wilkes writes in a review this week in Nature. <\/p>\n
Yes, but: Large X-ray observatories take years, if not decades, to develop and build, and right now, the future of X-ray astronomy at NASA and ESA is uncertain.<\/p>\n
What to watch: The first results from the IXPE mission will be presented next week at the American Astronomical Society's annual meeting.<\/p>\n
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X-ray astronomy is opening a new window on the universe - Axios<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" X-ray astronomy is helping to reveal newdetails about the nature of the universe. Why it matters: For thousands of years, humanity's understanding of the universe has been dominated by what can be seen Continue reading