The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) is pleased to announce that the X-ray
Imaging and Spectroscopy Mission (XRISM) completed its commissioning period as planned
and has transitioned to the nominal phase.
XRISM is conducting an initial calibration and performance verification operation to
understand the individual characteristics of its onboard instruments and improve observation
accuracy. XRISM will then start astronomical observations based on proposals from global
researchers.
We would like to express our deepest gratitude again to all parties involved for their
cooperation and support during the commissioning period.
XRISM has achieved excellent instrument performance in orbit, including spectral
performance that exceeds the initial target and is expected to bring about a variety of
discoveries in the future. The following two images are selected from the early science
observation data.
Figure 1 shows a spectrum of the central region of the Perseus cluster, obtained with the
soft X-ray spectrometer (Resolve) onboard XRISM. The Perseus cluster is a galaxy cluster
(*1) located about 240 million light-years from Earth. It is the most luminous giant cluster of
galaxies in X-rays. (High-res images of Figure 1 : Link to JDA)
The precise X-ray spectra from Resolve will reveal the distribution and motion of dark
matter by measuring the temperature and velocity of the plasma. This data is expected to
reveal how clusters of galaxies form and how they evolve.
Figure 2 is an X-ray image of the supernova remnant SN 1006 taken by XRISM’s onboard
soft X-ray imager (Xtend). This object is the remnant of a supernova (* 2) that exploded in
1006 AD. SN 1006 has expanded into a large spherical object 65 light-years in diameter over
the 1,000 years since its explosion and is still expanding at 5,000 kilometers per second. (High-res images of Figure 2: Link to JDA)
Thanks to Xtend’s wide field of view, SN 1006, with an apparent visual diameter of about
30 arcminutes (about the same size as the full moon) could fit entirely within the image
taken. This data will allow a detailed study of the abundance of elements created by the
fusion reaction during the explosion, as well as the expansion of the remnant.
Early science data is now accessible on the XRISM researchers’ website. This resource
aims to support researchers globally in crafting precise observation proposals by offering
insights into XRISM’s performance. Stay tuned to our website for future updates on
observation outcomes.
Comments by MAEJIMA Hironori, XRISM Project Manager
Following the successful completion of the initial functional verification for the satellite
and ground systems, we have officially commenced nominal scientific observations. Our
inaugural observations have revealed impressive performance, marking an auspicious
beginning. Equipped with XRISM, an international X-ray observatory, we remain steadfast in
our mission to unravel the mysteries of the Universe through continued exploration of
celestial phenomena.
Comments by TASHIRO Makoto, XRISM Principal Investigator
At long last, scientific observations have commenced. The XRISM team will meticulously
conduct in-orbit calibrations and disseminate scientific findings through performance
verification observations. Following this, in approximately August, we will initiate
observations based on proposals submitted by global researchers. We eagerly look forward
to the opportunity of serving as an open observatory, contributing to scientific advancements.
*1: A galaxy cluster, the most expansive entity in the cosmos, comprises numerous
galaxies spanning 10 million light-years in diameter. Galaxies are drawn together by the
gravitational force exerted by a mysterious substance known as “dark matter.” This gravitational
pull attracts galaxies and draws in hydrogen gas formed in the universe’s early stages. This
drawn-in hydrogen gas transforms into ultra-hot plasma, reaching tens of millions of degrees
Kelvin and emitting vibrant X-ray radiation.
*2: A supernova is an astronomical event characterized by a sudden, intense burst of
luminosity resulting from a massive explosion originating from either a massive star or a
white dwarf. SN 1006 is thought to have resulted from a significant eruption of a white dwarf.
A white dwarf is a dense remnant left behind after the death of a Sun-like star. When a
white dwarf forms a binary system with another star, the gravitational pull causes material
from the companion star to accrete onto the white dwarf. This process triggers a runaway
nuclear fusion reaction within the white dwarf, leading to a catastrophic explosion of the
entire system.
