The WXT Telescope, with an observation field approximately 100 times larger than similar telescopes worldwide, sends back valuable images of the universe.
The world’s first wide-field X-ray cosmic maps captured by the Wide Field X-ray Telescope (WXT) were announced by Chinese scientists at the Chinese Space Science Conference held in Taiyuan, the capital of Shanxi Province in northern China, on August 27.
X-ray image of the central region of the Milky Way captured by the Wide Field X-ray Telescope (WXT). (Photo: NAOC)
The WXT was launched into space on July 27 using a solid-fuel rocket, according to the National Astronomical Observatories of China (NAOC). The telescope has captured X-ray images and energy spectra of various celestial bodies both within and beyond the Milky Way after four days of observation in orbit.
The observation field of this device can reach up to 340 square degrees, which is about 100 times larger than similar telescopes worldwide, according to NAOC. The wider the field of view, the more the telescope can observe.
The WXT has observed the central celestial region of the Milky Way. The results indicate that a single observation can detect X-rays from multiple directions, including emissions from black holes and neutron stars.
Additionally, the WXT detected relatively weak X-ray signals from a quasar located 814 million light-years away. A quasar is a distant star-like object that emits strong radio waves and light. NAOC reported that the WXT also observed the Large Magellanic Cloud galaxy located near the Milky Way.
The WXT is essentially a test module of the Einstein Probe (EP) satellite currently under development. This satellite will be equipped with a total of 12 WXT modules. The EP’s mission is to detect celestial bodies emitting X-rays and even quiet black holes with the highest energy radiation. The satellite is scheduled for launch into space by the end of 2023. An August test showed that the WXT is operating normally, laying a solid foundation for the satellite’s mission, according to NAOC.
“The results obtained are very encouraging and demonstrate the capability of the new tool in collecting high-quality scientific data as expected,” said Yuan Weimin, the principal scientist for the EP satellite project at NAOC.
“The results are truly impressive. These tests demonstrate the scientific potential of the EP satellite,” commented P. O’Brien and R. Willingale, two professors at the University of Leicester.
