X-ray detectors in space: the challenges and rewards of observing the ‘hot and energetic universe’

In this episode of the Physics World Weekly podcast the instrument scientist Roland den Hartog talks about the challenges of deploying superconductor-based detectors on satellites to do X-ray astronomy. Based at the Netherlands Institute for Space Research (SRON) in Leiden, he also explains how astronomers use X-rays to observe the “hot and energetic universe”. This involves studying a range of objects from huge galaxy clusters to compact objects such as black holes and neutron stars.

Den Hartog is currently developing X-ray detectors for the European Space Agency’s Athena mission, which will launch in 2035. He explains that a primary goal of Athena is to gain a better understanding of the astrophysical origins of the elements by detecting the distinctive X-rays that they emit.