IXPE (Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer)

The IXPE observatory is illustrated in shades of blue. The full shape of IXPE is horizontal, with a three-leaf-clover shaped base with small cylinders on each "leaf" of the base. Stemming outward is a long cylindrical body that comes to a larger, open head with a series of thin panels on top.
An illustration of NASA's IXPE observatory. The colors depicted in this illustration are for artistic purposes only.
NASA
December 20, 2022
CreditNASA
Historical DateDecember 20, 2022
Language
  • english

An illustration of NASA's IXPE observatory. The colors depicted in this illustration are for artistic purposes only.

The IXPE satellite uses three identical X-ray telescopes to detect polarized X-rays from extreme cosmic objects like black holes, neutron stars, and pulsars.

Launched: December 9, 2021

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