Spectrum Rontgen Gamma (Spektr-RG) X-ray telescope launched 15/07/2019 – Posted in: Daily News

SPECTRUM RONTGEN GAMMA (SPEKTR-RG) X-RAY TELESCOPE LAUNCHED

 

For: Mains

Topics covered: Spektr-RG telescope – mission and highlights, advantages

 

News Flash

Spektr-RG (Russian for Spectrum + Röntgen + Gamma; also called Spectrum-X-Gamma, SRG, SXG)

  • The Spektr-RG telescope is a joint venture between Russia and Germany.
  • The telescope will map X-rays across the entire sky in unprecedented detail.

 

Goal

A key goal of Spektr-RG will be to investigate the mysterious cosmic components referred to as “dark matter” and “dark energy”.

 

Advantages

  • The information provides by the telescope will help researchers to trace the large-scale structure of the Universe.
  • It is also expected that Spektr-RG can provide fresh insights into the accelerating behaviour of cosmic expansion.
  • It should also identify a staggering number of new X-ray sources, such as the colossal black holes that reside at the centre of galaxies.
  • Spektr-RG is expecting to detect perhaps three million super-massive black holes during its service life.

 

Highlights

  • It was launched on a Proton-M rocket from the cosmodrome in Baikonur, Kazakhstan.
  • The spacecraft must first travel to a popular observing position known as Lagrange Point 2.

 

Background
  • The Spektr-RG intends to replace the Spektr-R, known as the “Russian Hubble”, which Roskosmos lost control of in January.
  • Spektr-R was launched in 2011 to observe black holes, neutron stars and magnetic fields. Its successor will take up similar duties.

 

Source: BBC

You can follow us on LinkedIn and on Instagram (Diligent IAS) for more updates related to IAS Preparation/ Study Material, Subscribe to our Facebook Page and Youtube Channel- Diligent IAS 

Also, read more Daily News Updates