China launches Einstein Probe satellite

Since black holes and gravitational waves are predictions made by Einstein’s theory of general relativity, the satellite is named after the great scientist.

CHINA yesterday sent a new astronomical satellite into space to observe mysterious transient phenomena in the universe which flicker like fireworks, trying to reveal more about this violent and little-known side of the cosmos.

The satellite named Einstein Probe, which uses new X-ray detection technology inspired by the functioning of a lobster eye, was launched by a Long March-2C rocket at 3:03pm from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in southwest China’s Sichuan Province.

Weighing about 1.45 tons and as large as a full-size SUV, the satellite is shaped like a lotus in full bloom and features 12 petals and two stamens.

“This is the most beautiful satellite I’ve ever seen,” said Yuan Weimin, principal investigator of the EP mission and a researcher at the National Astronomical Observatories of the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

The 12 “petals” are actually 12 modules consisting of wide-field X-ray telescopes, while the two “stamens” consist of two modules of follow-up X-ray telescopes.

These telescopes form a space observatory which is aimed at helping scientists capture the first light stemming from supernova explosions, search for and pinpoint X-ray signals accompanying gravitational wave events, and discover dormant black holes and other faint transient and variable celestial objects at the far reaches of the universe.

“Since black holes and gravitational waves are predictions made by

Einstein’s theory of general relativity, the satellite is named after the great scientist,” Yuan said.

The starry sky visible to human eyes is quiet and peaceful, but in reality, there are many fierce celestial activities in the universe, such as explosions triggered by the death of supermassive stars, black holes tearing apart and devouring stars, and collisions between bizarre neutron stars and black holes, he added.

Ancient Chinese astronomers recorded a bright supernova explosion in 1054 AD, and the remnants of this event, the Crab Nebula and a neutron star, were found nearly 1,000 years later by modern astronomers.

“These explosive celestial bodies are also part of our universe, and usually at the critical stage of celestial evolution. We are still unclear about many of their physical properties and processes. Studying them can help us better answer the most fundamental scientific questions, such as what the universe is made up of, what physical laws govern the extreme universe, and how stars evolve and die.”

These extraordinary explosions often emit X-rays, which cannot penetrate the Earth’s atmosphere. It wasn’t until humans had the ability to send probes into space that the hot and energetic side of the universe was unveiled in the X-ray band.

The European Space Agency and the Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics in Germany are also participating in this mission.

(Xinhua)

Yuan Weimin Principal Investigator of the EP mission