Forget the 122 megapixels of the James Webb space telescope, XRISM (X-ray Imaging and Spectroscopy Mission), NASA’s new space mission, focuses on precision with a sensor of only 36 pixels ! This bold choice aims to capture rare photons from extreme cosmic objects, like supermassive black holes. Objective: uncover the secrets of galaxy formation and the nature of dark matter. This is proof that power does not necessarily lie in raw power, but also in precision and sensitivity.
Cutting-edge technology for precise measurements
The XRISM mission relies on a revolutionary instrument called Resolve, a microcalorimeter spectrometer. It is a scientific instrument capable of measuring tiny temperature variations. This one doesn’t just capture images, it goes much further.
Its ultrasensitive detector measures the temperature of each X-ray hitting it, thus guaranteeing unrivaled precision for analyzing the chemical composition of the sources observed. In other words, Resolve “decomposes” X-rays, particularly at the heart of the hottest and most imposing cosmic structures, such as supermassive black holes. It may only have a capacity of 36 pixels, but each of these pixels is a window opening wide onto the most mysterious aspects of the Universe.
Space exploration, pixel by pixel
Each pixel generates a rich spectrum of visual data, covering a wide energy range, from 400 to 12,000 electron volts. This technological feat allows the instrument to perceive the movements of elements within a target, thus offering an almost three-dimensional perspective. In practice, Resolve can thus identify the elements present in a specific region of space, understand its temperature and other physical properties, gases and celestial materials it contains.
More concretely, gases moving towards us emit slightly more energetic X-rays than those moving away from us. This tiny difference, captured by Resolve, allows us to map the movements of matter with unparalleled precision.
This unique ability opens Fascinating New Perspectives for NASA and Space Exploration generally. It will make it possible, for example, to understand the flows of hot gases in galaxy clusters or to follow the movement of elements in the remains of supernova explosions. A new Pandora’s box has just opened!
- As part of the XRISM mission, NASA has equipped itself with a new 36-pixel sensor.
- Resolve, as it’s nicknamed, can detect temperature variations by breaking down X-rays pixel by pixel.
- This will greatly help scientists understand certain space phenomena in depth.
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