https://doi.org/10.1140/epjp/i2018-12284-6
Review
Summary of the past, present and future of the X-ray astronomy
Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Sabanci University, 34956, Istanbul, Turkey
* e-mail: ekalemci@sabanciuniv.edu
Received:
25
April
2018
Accepted:
23
August
2018
Published online:
10
October
2018
The first cosmic X-ray source Sco X-1 was discovered with an Aerobee rocket in 1962 by Riccardo Giacconi. Since then, the field of X-ray astronomy developed significantly, not only in terms of capabilities and technology of X-ray observatories, but also in terms of theoretical understanding of a very wide range of astronomical objects and fields. The X-ray astronomy usually refers to the energy range of fractions of keV to a few hundred keVs, and creation of these photons in large amounts requires extremely high temperatures, magnetic fields, and extreme environments. This review summarizes the historical development of X-ray astronomy, provides introductory information regarding X-ray detectors and telescopes, discusses the current operational X-ray observatories, and finally introduces a sample of upcoming X-ray observatories that will revolutionize the field in the near future.
© Società Italiana di Fisica and Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature, 2018
