The Astrophysical Plasmadynamic Explorer (APEX): A High Resolution Spectroscopic Observatory
Abstract
The dynamics and structure of stellar atmospheres and coronae are complex and strongly bound to the life cycle of stars, from their birth and descent to the main sequence, to their final stages in which the interstellar medium is enriched and stars proceed along various paths to a cooling compact object. Now EUVE, Chandra, and XMM-Newton have moved astronomical spectroscopy into the soft X-ray and EUV wavebands, where hot (105-108 K) plasmas radiate most strongly. High-resolution spectroscopy allows the identification of weak emission lines, the measurement of Doppler shifts and line profiles, and the detection of narrow absorption features. We present a mission concept for APEX (Astrophysical Plasmadynamic Explorer), a SMEX-class instrument that employs multilayer-grating spectrometers to achieve both high effective area and high spectral resolution at ultra-soft X-ray and EUV wavelengths. A prototype instrument has already been built and flown successfully on a sounding rocket. A high-resolution spectrum of the white dwarf G191-B2B was obtained.
- Publication:
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APS April Meeting Abstracts
- Pub Date:
- April 2002
- Bibcode:
- 2002APS..APRN17014W