Context:
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully launched its inaugural X-ray Polarimeter Satellite (XpoSat) to study X-ray polarization and investigate cosmic sources such as Black holes, Neutron stars, and Magnetars. The mission was propelled into Low Earth Orbit via the PSLV-C58 rocket.
Relevance:
GS III: Science and Technology
Dimensions of the Article:
- X-ray Polarimeter Satellite (XPoSat)
- X-rays and their Study of Celestial Objects
X-ray Polarimeter Satellite (XPoSat):
Objective:
- Designed to study X-ray polarization in the medium X-ray band, providing crucial insights into the radiation mechanisms and geometry of celestial sources.
Significance for Astrophysics:
- Essential for understanding the physics underlying celestial bodies and their radiation processes.
Payloads:
Carries two main payloads:
- POLIX (Polarimeter Instrument in X-rays):
- Observes approximately 40 bright astronomical sources.
- XSPECT (X-ray Spectroscopy and Timing):
- Studies the electromagnetic spectrum produced by different types of matter.
Development:
- Entirely constructed by two Bengaluru-based institutes—ISRO’s UR Rao Satellite Centre and Raman Research Institute.
- Development initiated in 2008, with a formal agreement signed with ISRO in 2015.
Global Context:
- Only the world’s second mission dedicated to X-ray polarization in the medium X-ray band.
- NASA’s Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE), launched in 2021, was the first such mission by a space agency.
National Contribution:
- Marks India’s third space-based observatory, succeeding the recently launched solar mission Aditya-L1 and AstroSat, launched in 2015.
- Represents a significant advancement for Indian astronomy and space research.
X-rays and their Study of Celestial Objects:
Nature of X-rays:
- X-rays are a form of electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths ranging from 0.01 to 10 nanometres.
Electromagnetic Radiation Characteristics:
- Electromagnetic radiation exhibits characteristics of an electric field and a magnetic field vibrating perpendicular to each other.
Polarization of Electromagnetic Radiation:
- Polarization refers to the orientation of the electric and magnetic fields as electromagnetic radiation moves through space.
Polarization of X-rays:
- X-rays can undergo polarization when scattered.
- Polarized X-rays are also generated when the path of a fast-moving charged particle is altered by a magnetic field.
Measurement and Astronomical Insights:
- Instruments like POLIX are utilized to measure the polarization of X-rays.
- This measurement allows astronomers to comprehend the orientation and strength of magnetic fields in celestial objects.
Significance:
- Insights into the nature and behavior of celestial phenomena emitting X-rays are gained.
- Crucial understanding of pulsars, regions around black holes, and other cosmic entities emitting X-rays is achieved through the study of X-ray polarization.
-Source: The Hindu, PIB, Indian Express
