This space telescope will be responsible for exploring the universe using X-rays and obtaining views that are not possible with the human eye.
This was announced by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). first observation by XRISM (X-ray Imaging and Spectroscopy Mission) space telescopea mission they are working on with the European Space Agency (ESA) and NASA, which will explore space using X-rays.
This is a picture a huge galaxy cluster and a supernova spectrum in X-rays. It should be noted that when using this method, images capture light that cannot be seen by the human eye.
The XRISM mission was launched into space in early September 2023. In October, modifications to its equipment began, and now the first X-ray views have finally been obtained.
“So much Scientists and engineers are excited about these successful first observations of light and expect many groundbreaking discoveries.“The Japan Space Agency said in a statement.
These are the first XRISM observations
The first image shows a cluster of galaxies Abell 2319, which is apparently a system of two colliding galaxy clusters. “The image is a superposition of optical and X-ray observations. The X-ray image is shown in purple,” JAXA describes.
According to the space agency, The purple regions allow us to see the distribution of the high-temperature plasma that emits the X-rayssomething that cannot be seen with the naked eye with ordinary binoculars.
Except, The Xtend XRISM instrument capability was able to capture the entire cluster in a single observationalthough these are still preliminary images.
“This promises significant advances in our understanding of galaxy clusters and the evolution of the large-scale structure of the universe,” they note.
How do you measure something that the human eye can’t see?
JAXA @XRISM_jp The X-ray telescope did just that in its “first light” observations released today.
XRISM images reveal a cluster of galaxies and supernova remnants and others hidden behind the hot gas of space. pic.twitter.com/91Fk91kXEa
— ESA (@esa) January 5, 2024
In the second picture, he captured the binoculars X-ray spectrum of the N132D supernova remnantin the Large Magellanic Cloud, with the Resolve tool integrated into XRISM.
This type of observation allowed us to collect data that measure some of the characteristics of the remnant and its gases. Experts hope to get more detailed information during the mission.
Immerse yourself in the intricate details of the N132D supernova remnant – the husk left behind by the explosion of a massive star. For the first time, we have a super-sharp look at the chemical elements that exist in N132D and exactly where each one is located.
👉https://t.co/GF00gbbvA1 pic.twitter.com/s1dxo8n8B1— ESA Science (@esascience) January 5, 2024
