Space Telescopes: Observing the X-ray Universe

This lecture from the Science on Saturday 2025 series explores the fascinating world of space-based X-ray observatories and their crucial role in understanding the universe. Discover how scientists use X-ray light to investigate the hottest and most extreme cosmic environments, particularly those surrounding black holes. Learn about the design and capabilities of advanced instruments like the X-ray Imaging and Spectroscopy Mission (XRISM) that allow astronomers to peer into the depths of space. Understand how these powerful telescopes function as cosmic laboratories, helping researchers uncover the mysteries of our cosmic origins and test fundamental physics concepts like general relativity by studying light from distant stars and galaxies.