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Search for hard X-ray emission from the galactic plane
1Cosmic Ray Working Group, The Royal Dutch Academy of Sciences, Kamerlingh Onnes Laboratorium, Leiden.
Nature
|August 1, 1970
Summary
A balloon-borne X-ray survey experiment searched for hard X-ray emission from the Galaxy. The study utilized four X-ray telescopes to detect high-energy photons above 20 keV.
Area of Science:
- Astronomy and Astrophysics
- High-Energy Astrophysics
Background:
- The Milky Way galaxy is a source of various high-energy phenomena.
- Detecting hard X-ray emission (energies > 20 keV) is crucial for understanding these phenomena.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a sensitive survey for hard X-ray emission from the Galaxy.
- To identify and characterize previously unknown sources of high-energy X-rays.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a balloon-borne experiment equipped with four X-ray telescopes.
- Conducted observations over Texas, targeting specific regions of the Galactic plane.
- Analyzed data for photons with energies exceeding 20 keV.
Main Results:
- The experiment successfully gathered data on hard X-ray emission from the Galaxy.
- Preliminary analysis indicates the presence of detectable hard X-ray signals.
- Further investigation is required to pinpoint the exact sources and their characteristics.
Conclusions:
- Balloon-borne X-ray surveys are effective for exploring the hard X-ray sky.
- The Galaxy harbors sources emitting X-rays at energies above 20 keV.
- Future missions should build upon these findings to enhance sensitivity and coverage.
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