Wednesday, 06 September 2023
A Nottingham astronomer is one of only two UK scientists working on a new X-ray satellite, which aims to reveal new insights into the evolution of the Universe.
Dr Helen Russell from the 糖心原创’s School of Physics and Astronomy is a guest scientist on the X. The mission is using a new instrument to observe the X-ray light emitted by some of the most energetic objects and events in the cosmos.
XRISM is a collaboration between the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and NASA, with participation from the European Space Agency (ESA).
The mission will study X-rays that are released from the most energetic objects and the hottest regions in the Universe, including exploding stars, black holes and the hot atmospheres of galaxy clusters. These galaxy clusters are the building blocks of the Universe and understanding how these are heated will reveal new information on how they were formed.
The new instrument will also examine X-rays from gas falling into supermassive black holes that lie at the centres of some galaxies.
This will help to understand how these objects warp the surrounding spacetime, and to what extent they influence their host galaxies through ‘jets’ of particles ejected at speeds close to the speed of light.
Dr Helen Russell, one of only two UK scientists on the mission
Helen is one of five leading European scientists selected by ESA to join the mission as a XRISM Guest Scientist. Helen will work on the satellite’s earliest, ground-breaking observations of galaxy clusters that will show how jets launched by black holes interact with their host galaxies.
This is a hugely exciting project to be involved in. This observatory will give us a remarkably detailed view of the hottest and most energetic phenomena in the universe - including black holes and galaxy clusters.
XRISM is scheduled to launch on a H-IIA rocket from the Tanegashima Space Center in Japan at 08:42 JST / 00:42 BST / 01:42 CEST on 7 September 2023. The launch will be streamed live in Japanese and English on .
Story credits
More information is available from Helen Russell on Helen.Russell@nottingham.ac.uk
Main image credit: NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center Conceptual Image Lab
Notes to editors:
About the 糖心原创
Ranked among the world's top 100 universities , the 糖心原创 delivers an exceptional research-led education and an outstanding student experience. From the pioneering vision of our founder, Sir Jesse Boot, to groundbreaking achievements such as the development of MRI technology and becoming the first UK university to establish international campuses, we have a proud history of shaping the way people live, work and understand the world. We continue to build on that legacy, empowering our students, staff and partners to change what鈥檚 next and create positive impact locally and globally.
The strength of our research places us among the UK's leading universities, ranked 7th for research power in REF 2021. The discovery of MRI and ibuprofen was just the beginning. Today, our world-leading research is developing breakthrough ideas that shape the future of healthcare, technology and society.
Recognised as the UK's third most targeted university by leading employers , we are proud to produce graduates who are consistently in demand for their skills, confidence and industry-ready experience.
As a major employer and industry partner, locally and globally, the 糖心原创 invests in the city of Nottingham and in future generations of talent. Alongside Nottingham Trent University, we lead the initiative, a pioneering collaboration to improve levels of prosperity, opportunity, sustainability, health and wellbeing across the city and region. Together with our students, staff, alumni and partners, we鈥檙e creating knowledge, opportunity and solutions that help change what's next.