[In Depth] Japanese satellite targets the x-ray universe
Japan's ASTRO-H satellite, due to launch 12 February, is taking aim at the most turbulent corners of the x-ray universe. Because of previous rocket failures and equipment malfunctions, if launched successfully, ASTRO-H will be the first major x-ray mission put into orbit since 1999. A slew of new technological developments make the craft significantly more powerful than x-ray observatories currently in operation. These enhanced capabilities will allow scientists to observe the gas squeezed within galaxy clusters, determining its composition, motion, and turbulence, all for a better understanding of how chemical elements evolved within the universe and what role interstellar gases play in star and galaxy formation. ASTRO-H will also allow scientists to resolve questions about ultrafast outflows of gas from active galactic nuclei and whether mysterious emissions from certain galaxy clusters are evidence of dark matter annihilation. Author: Dennis Normile