An IXPE target of opportunity was approved to observe the transient X-ray pulsar EXO 2030+375 which is currently in outburst. The target of opportunity replaces a previously planned target, a third observation of transient X-ray pulsar GRO J1008-57, which had faded rapidly.
On 10/18/22, NASA issued a news release “NASA’s IXPE Helps Unlock the Secrets of Famous Exploded Star,” reporting on IXPE’s observation of the supernova remnant Cassiopeia A. The result provides information about the behavior of magnetic fields in this supernova remnant. Cassiopeia A has some of the fastest-moving shock waves of any known supernova remnant. The team combined data from IXPE and Chandra to get a more comprehensive view of the physics in this object. Researchers have released the first peer-reviewed study of Cassiopeia A using IXPE data. Additionally, this image release was featured as “NASA’s Image of the Day” on 10/21/22. https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/ixpe/news/nasa-s-ixpe-helps-unlock-the-secrets-of-famous-exploded-star.html.
On 10/26/22, NASA issued a news release “Powerful Neutron Star’s Behavior Surprises IXPE Researchers,” reporting on IXPE’s observation of the Hercules X-1 x-ray binary. https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/ixpe/news/2022/powerful-neutron-star-s-behavior-surprises-ixpe-researchers.html.
On November 3, NASA issued a news release “NASA’s IXPE Reveals Shape, Orientation of Hot Matter Around Black Hole.,” reporting on IXPE’s observation of the accreting stellar black hole in the x-ray binary Cygnus X-1.
https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/ixpe/news/2022/nasa-s-ixpe-reveals-shape-orientation-of-hot-matter-around-black-hole.html.
On 11/10/22, NASA issued a news release “NASA’s IXPE Finds Powerful Magnetic Fields and Solid Crust at Neutron Star,” reporting on IXPE’s observation of the magnetar (highly magnetic neutron star) 4U 0142+61.
https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/ixpe/news/2022/nasa-s-ixpe-finds-powerful-magnetic-fields-and-solid-crust-at-neutron-star.html.
Brian Ramsey (ST12) submitted an IXPE article for the American Astronomical Society HEAD (High-Energy Astrophysics Division) semi-annual newsletter. Steve O’Dell (ST12) presented an overview of initial IXPE Science results to SMD Associate Administrator, Thomas Zurbuchen, during his visit to Huntsville on 10/26/22.
