The Athena space X‐ray observatory and the astrophysics of hot plasma†
Year: 2020
Type: article
Abstract: The properties (temperature, density, chemical composition, velocity) of hot astrophysical plasma and the physical processes affecting them (heating/cooling, turbulence, shocks, acceleration) can be probed by high‐resolution X‐ray spectroscopy, to be complemented by high‐spatial‐resolution imaging. The paper presents the status of the European Space Agency's Advanced Telescope for High Energy Astrophysics (Athena) mission, particularly focusing on the science performance of its two focal‐plane instruments for studies of extended X‐ray sources: the wide‐field imager and the X‐ray integral field unit. This paper then provides a brief summary of the breakthroughs expected with Athena on the astrophysics of hot plasma, building on the vast heritage of the discoveries and revolutionary results obtained by Chandra and XMM‐Newton in this field. As of November 12, 2019, Athena successfully concluded its feasibility study, and has since then moved into the definition phase, with a launch date scheduled in the early 2030s.
Source: Astronomische Nachrichten
Institutions: Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut de Recherche en Astrophysique et Planétologie, Université de Toulouse, Commissariat à l'Énergie Atomique et aux Énergies Alternatives, CEA Paris-Saclay - Etablissement de Saclay, CEA Paris-Saclay, University of Cambridge, European Space Research and Technology Centre, Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics, Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, Space Research Organisation Netherlands
Language: English
Subfield: Astronomy and Astrophysics
Field: Physics and Astronomy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
Award: G1901275625
OpenAlex ID: W3009215880