The Athena science case in context
Abstract
The Athena X-ray observatory mission has been conceived to study the Hot and Energetic Universe. This includes determining the physical and chemical evolution of the hot baryonic component in the Universe, assembling into the gravitational potential wells in large-scale structures as well as the phenomena generated around black holes, capable of shaping galaxies and clusters through feedback phenomena. In this talk, I will develop in detail the science objectives of Athena along these lines, as well as in other areas of Astrophysics where its contribution will be transformational. I will particularly highlight the role of the Athena observatory in the astronomical landscape of the late 2020s, where synergies with large optical/IR and sub/mm facilities have been already identified through a joint ESO-Athena synergy exercise, and likewise with large radio facilities through an on-going SKA-Athena synergy exercise.
- Publication:
-
The X-ray Universe 2017
- Pub Date:
- October 2017
- Bibcode:
- 2017xru..conf....4B