Syllabus :GS 3/Space
| News Source:DH China recently sent a new astronomical satellite called the Einstein Probe into space to observe mysterious transient phenomena in the universe that flicker like fireworks. |
What is the Einstein Probe (EP)
- The EP is a mission of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) dedicated to time-domain high-energy astrophysics.
- It was successfully launched on January 9, 2024, from the Xichang Satellite Launch Centre in China with a “Long March-2C” rocket.
- It is new astronomical satellite which is shaped like a lotus in full bloom,
- It is a mission of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) dedicated to time-domain high-energy astrophysics.
- Feature of EP: Unlike conventional X-ray telescopes, Einstein Probe’s unique design allows it to monitor almost a tenth of the sky simultaneously, discovering new sources as they light up in X-rays and enabling in-depth studies of known and new celestial phenomena over extended periods. The satellite has a weight of ～1450 kg and an average power of ～1212 W in total.
- Purpose : It aims to capture the first light from supernova explosions,
- Search for X-ray signals accompanying gravitational wave events, and
- Discover dormant black holes and other celestial objects.
- The satellite’s X-ray detection technology is inspired by lobster-eye telescopes.
- It will also detect light from gamma-ray bursts, supernovae, flares from other stars, and events within the Solar System, such as emissions from comets.