Physics Department Seminar University of Alaska Fairbanks


J O U R N A L    C L U B

 

The DXL mission and studies of the Diffuse X-ray Background and Solar Wind Charge eXchange

 
by
 
Massimiliano Galeazzi
University of Miami - Department of Physics

 

ABSTRACT

The Solar Wind interacts with the interstellar neutrals via charge exchange mechanism to produce spatially and temporally varying x-rays difficult to separate from other diffuse X-ray sources. The Diffuse X-rays from the Local Galaxy (DXL) mission is a NASA sounding rocket mission to measure the spatial signature of Solar Wind Charge eXchange (SWCX) and separate it from other sources of diffuse X-ray emission. The mission uses large area proportional counters and was able to separate the SWCX contribution from Local Hot Bubble emission, measuring the SWCX compound cross section with He. So far the DXL payload has been successfully launched twice from White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico and a third launch is scheduled for January 2018 from Poker Flat Research Range (PFRR), Alaska, to measure the compound cross section with H by looking at the spatial signature of the Cusp. In this talk I will first introduce Solar Wind Charge eXchange, then discuss the DXL mission and results from flights #1 and #2. The talk will also include a brief overview of the current campaign at PFRR.



 

Friday, 19 January 2018

Globe Room, Elvey Building

3:45PM