Abstract

▪ Abstract The launches of the Chandra X-Ray Observatory in June 1999 and the XMM-Newton Observatory in December 1999 opened a new era in X-ray astronomy. Both of these missions incorporate novel diffraction grating spectrometers that are providing the first high-resolution X-ray spectra of most classes of astrophysical sources. The spectra obtained to date exhibit a wealth of discrete detail, yielding sensitive constraints on physical conditions in the emitting plasmas. We review the essential characteristics of these instruments, the basics of X-ray spectral formation in cosmic sources, and the exciting new results that have emerged from Chandra and XMM-Newton grating observations of a wide variety of astrophysical systems.

Full Text
Paper version not known

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.