3 years all-sky X-ray observations with MAXI
Abstract
Results on all-sky X-ray observations with MAXI are reviewed. MAXI, Monitor of All-sky X-ray Image, is a Japanese payload on the international space station, ISS. MAXI Gas Slit Cameras (GSCs) have scanned almost the entire (90%) sky once or twice every 92 min in the 2-30 keV band since August 2009. Through the observations, MAXI discovered 9 X-ray transients (novae), including 4 or 5 galactic black hole candidates, and a number of transient phenomena on various timescales; gamma-/X-ray bursts, star flares, outbursts and state transitions of neutron-star/ black-hole binaries, and AGN. If MAXI detects such an event, we promptly send the to the world via email through the MAXI mailing (http://maxi.riken.jp/mailman/listinfo), and report to the ATel and/or GCN. To date, 15 June 2012, 95 ATels and 28 GCNs were submitted. We also provide public data archives for about 280 sources (http://maxi.riken. MAXI Solid State Cameras (SSCs) are providing all-sky maps of diffuse X-ray emission in the 0.7-10 keV band, and unique information on various point sources in the soft X-ray band. MAXI discoveries and follow-up observations are opening a new window in the active X-ray sky.
- Publication:
-
Half a Century of X-ray Astronomy
- Pub Date:
- September 2012
- Bibcode:
- 2012hcxa.confE..16N