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The Interstellar Mapping And Acceleration Probe High Energy (IMAP-Hi) Neutral Atom Imager
H O Funsten1, F Allegrini2,3, D B Reisenfeld1
1Los Alamos National Laboratory, PO Box 1663, Los Alamos, NM 87545 USA.
Space Science Reviews
|May 11, 2026
Summary
NASA's IMAP-Hi imager maps energetic neutral atoms (ENAs) from the heliosphere-local interstellar medium interaction. This provides new insights into the heliosphere's structure and dynamics.
Area of Science:
- Space Physics
- Astrophysics
- Planetary Science
Background:
- The heliosphere, a bubble created by the Sun's wind, interacts with the local interstellar medium (LISM).
- Energetic Neutral Atoms (ENAs) are produced by charge exchange between solar wind ions and LISM neutral atoms.
- Understanding this interaction is key to comprehending our solar system's place in the galaxy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present the IMAP-Hi Energetic Neutral Atom (ENA) Imager instrument.
- To detail its design, capabilities, and observing strategy for mapping ENA emissions.
- To explain how IMAP-Hi data will address fundamental questions about the heliosphere-LISM interaction.
Main Methods:
- Utilizes two identical single-pixel sensors (IMAP-Hi) covering 0.44-15.6 keV ENA spectral range.
- Employs specific sensor pointing (Hi-45 and Hi-90) to achieve comprehensive sky coverage over time.
- Leverages heritage from the IBEX-Hi instrument with significant technological improvements.
Main Results:
- IMAP-Hi acquires global ENA maps with improved energy range, resolution, and signal-to-noise ratio compared to previous missions.
- Hi-45 sensor maps low-latitude regions annually, while Hi-90 maps the full sky semi-annually.
- Data will be combined with IMAP-Lo and IMAP-Ultra for a comprehensive view of the interaction region.
Conclusions:
- IMAP-Hi is poised to deliver unprecedented ENA datasets for studying the heliosphere's boundary.
- The instrument's design enables detailed mapping of ENA sources and dynamics.
- Combined IMAP ENA measurements will significantly advance our understanding of the heliosphere-LISM interface.
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