XPoSat, scheduled for launch in December 2023, will carry two sophisticated payloads: the Soft X-ray Polarimeter (XS) and the Hard X-ray Polarimeter (HXP). These instruments will measure the polarization of X-rays, a crucial property that provides insights into the structure and behavior of celestial objects.
Polarization, a characteristic of electromagnetic waves like X-rays, describes the orientation of their electric fields. By measuring the polarization of X-rays, scientists can gain valuable information about the physical processes occurring in extreme environments like the vicinity of black holes and neutron stars.
XPoSat’s mission is expected to yield groundbreaking discoveries in various fields of astrophysics, including:
- Unveiling the nature of black holes: XPoSat’s observations will help scientists understand the accretion processes around black holes and the powerful jets they emit.
- Probing the dynamics of neutron stars: By studying the polarization of X-rays from neutron stars, scientists can gain insights into their magnetic fields and the mechanisms that generate X-rays in these ultra-dense objects.
- Exploring the cosmic evolution of galaxies: XPoSat’s data will contribute to the understanding of how galaxies form and evolve, particularly in the early universe.
The launch of XPoSat marks a significant milestone in India’s space program and its growing contributions to global scientific endeavors. This mission is poised to revolutionize our understanding of the cosmos and unlock the secrets hidden within the most enigmatic celestial objects.