Abstract

The European Space Agency's X-ray observatory EXOSAT was operational from May 1983 to April 1986 and in that time made 1780 observations of a wide variety of objects including active galactic nuclei, stellar coronae, cataclysmic variables, white dwarfs, X-ray binaries, clusters of galaxies and supernova remnants. The 90hr high earth orbit allowed for the first time long uninterupted observations. In addition the instrumentation had a broad band spectral response from 0.05–30.0 keV with good spectral resolution. This allowed the continuum to be studied over two or three decades in frequency and also revealed many new spectral absorption and emission line features. In this review an overview of the strengths of the EXOSAT observatory are illustrated using a selection of key results.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.