X-ray telescopes help study astronomical objects by detecting high-energy X-ray radiation that cannot be seen with optical telescopes. Many cosmic phenomena—such as black holes, neutron stars, supernova remnants, galaxy clusters, and hot gas in the universe—emit strong X-rays due to extreme temperatures, magnetic fields, or gravitational forces.
Because Earth’s atmosphere absorbs X-rays, these telescopes are placed in space (e.g., aboard satellites) to get an unobstructed view. They use special mirrors arranged at very shallow angles (grazing incidence) to focus X-rays, since normal mirrors would not work for such high-energy radiation.
By recording the intensity, spectrum, and timing of X-ray emissions, astronomers can:
- Identify high-temperature regions (millions of degrees).
- Study matter falling into black holes and pulsar activity.
- Map shock waves from supernova explosions.
- Analyze the distribution of hot intergalactic gas to understand the structure of the universe.
- Investigate magnetic fields and particle acceleration in cosmic jets.
Essentially, X-ray telescopes open a window to the most energetic and violent processes in the cosmos, providing data that is invisible in ordinary light.