Ishrat Nadia Ena

Nasa is set to launch its first space observatory Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer Mission, a joint effort of Nasa and the Italian Space Agency. IXPE carries three telescopes that measure X-rays released by black holes and neutron stars. The imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer satellite will quantify the most extreme objects in the universe. The satellite will be launched around 1:00 am ET from Nasa's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The satellite has the power of seeing polarisation. Appearing from extremes X-rays are a highly energetic wavelength of light which includes powerful magnetic fields, collisions between objects, explosions, and scorching temperatures. Earth’s atmosphere prevents X-rays from reaching the ground, that is why scientists rely on X-ray telescopes in space. IXPE marks a "bold and unique step forward for X-ray astronomy", says principal investigator Martin Weisskopf.