Dynamics of X-ray Emitting Gas: Studies for a New Generation X-ray Observatory

国际社会正在为下一代X射线天文卫星进行科学技术研究。虽然对当前能力所需的改进达成了基本共识，但为了在技术发展和成本的限制下获得最好的科学回报，必须进行不可避免的权衡。两项重大科学技术研究目前正在科学家和工程师的支持下进行：美国的星座-X和欧洲的Xeus。这些研究之间的交叉受精很可能导致一个联合任务，为此的讨论已经开始。我是星座-X项目“星系和星系团”科学小组的成员，并提出星系中X射线发射气体的动力学将是新任务的重要科学。这门科学对关键要求施加了特别严格的限制：灵敏度、空间和光谱分辨率以及视野。这项赠款申请要求提供必要的差旅和生活支助，使我能够在我们从技术研究进入任务确定的特别关键时刻参加小组的工作。

The international community is undertaking science and technology studies for the next generation of X-ray astronomy satellites. While there is basic agreement concerning required improvements over the current capabilities, there are inevitable trade-offs that must be made to get the best scientific return within the constraints of technological development and cost. Two major science and technology studies are currently underway supported by scientists and engineers: Constellation-X in the U.S.A. and XEUS in Europe. Cross-fertilzation between these studies is likely to result in a joint mission, and discussions to this end have already commenced. I am a member of the 'Galaxies and Clusters' Science Panel for the Constellation-X project, and have proposed that the dynamics of X-ray emitting gas in galaxies will be important science for the new missions. This science imposes particularly stringent constraints on key requirements: sensitivity, spatial and spectral resolution, and field of view. This grant application requests the travel and subsistence support necessary for me to participate in the work of the panel during a particularly critical time as we move from technology studies into mission definition.