X-RAY
POLARIMETER - SCI & TECH
News:
ISRO launches XPoSat:
What is the mission and its significance?
What's
in the news?
●
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
put its first polarimetry mission X-ray Polarimeter Satellite (XPoSat) in a
precise circular orbit of 650 km on January 1, 2023.
X-ray
Polarimeter Satellite (XPoSat):
●
X-ray Polarimeter Satellite (XPoSat) is India’s maiden mission dedicated to
analysing the polarisation of X-rays emanating from bright celestial sources in
the medium frequency band.
●
It is the world’s second satellite-based
mission dedicated to making X-ray polarimetry measurements.
X-rays:
●
X-rays comprise electric and magnetic waves that are constantly in motion.
●
They do not follow a patterned direction
of motion.
Polarised
X-ray:
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On the other hand, polarised X-ray is both organised and has two waves vibrating in the
same direction.
●
The polarisation measurements – angular
and degree of polarisation – are believed to provide clues about the bright
X-ray emitting sources, the nature of these radiations and the complex process
they undergo.