Why we need AXAF - the new X-ray astronomy observatory

Journal Article · Thu Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1987 · Aerosp. Am.; (United States)

OSTI ID:6581854

Canizares, C R

X-ray astronomy using space-based instruments is the major source of data on violent, energetic events underlying the evolution of the universe. X-ray observations permit studying supernova remnants, quasars and ultracompact objects (neutron stars and black holes). Einstein Observatory data permitted measuring the energy emitted by quasars and calculations of the mass of clusters of galaxies, the latter results being strong evidence that 90 percent of the mass needed for the clusters to be gravitationally stable is not being seen. Identification of the characteristics of the dark matter, and the consequent implications for a closed or open universe, is in large part dependent on the launch and operation of the Advanced X-ray Astrophysics Facility by NASA, to be serviced from the Space Station over a 15 yr operational lifetime.

• Research Organization: MIT, Cambridge, MA
• OSTI ID: 6581854
• Journal Information: Aerosp. Am.; (United States), Journal Name: Aerosp. Am.; (United States) Vol. 25; ISSN AEAME
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

640100* -- Astrophysics & Cosmology
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
ASTRONOMY
ASTROPHYSICS
BLACK HOLES
COSMIC RADIO SOURCES
COSMOLOGY
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
GALAXIES
GALAXY CLUSTERS
IONIZING RADIATIONS
MASS
MILKY WAY
NEUTRON STARS
NONLUMINOUS MATTER
QUASARS
RADIATIONS
STARS
SUPERNOVA REMNANTS
UNIVERSE
X RADIATION