x-ray astronomy

American  

noun

1. the branch of astronomy that studies celestial objects by means of the x-rays emitted by them.

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X-ray astronomy British  

noun

1. the branch of astronomy concerned with the detection and measurement of X-rays emitted by certain celestial bodies. As X-rays are absorbed by the atmosphere, satellites and rockets are used

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x-ray astronomy Scientific  

1. The study of celestial objects by measurement of the x-rays they emit. Because the Earth's atmosphere absorbs x-rays, x-ray detectors are usually carried into space on satellites. X-rays are emitted by high-energy objects such as active galactic nuclei, supernova remnants, x-ray binary stars, neutron stars, and the regions around black holes. Objects which do not produce their own x-rays can reflect radiation from nearby stars, making it possible to study the objects using x-ray astronomy; one notable example of this is the analysis of solar x-rays reflected by the Moon.

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Other Word Forms

• x-ray astronomer noun

Etymology

Origin of x-ray astronomy

First recorded in 1960–65

Example Sentences

The fourth concept, the Lynx X-ray Observatory, would be the most powerful x-ray astronomy facility ever built, offering intimate views of black holes, active galaxies and violent supernovae across cosmic time.

From Scientific American • Aug. 18, 2021