Support for Athena science advisory activities
Lead Research Organisation:
The Open University
Department Name: Faculty of Sci, Tech, Eng & Maths (STEM)
Abstract
Athena is the European Space Agency's next generation X-ray observatory, following on from the current space X-ray observatories, XMM-Newton and Chandra, which have revolutionised our view of energetic regions of the Universe. Athena will observe the hot and energetic Universe, focusing on the distribution of matter in the cosmic web and how it has evolved over cosmic time, the properties of the most distant black holes, and the interplay between black holes and galaxies as they evolve. Athena is ten times more sensitive than any existing X-ray telescope, and its instruments enable unprecedented measurements of the dynamics of the hottest regions of the Universe. This proposal provides support for scientific planning activities towards formal adoption of the mission by ESA and preparations for successful observing plans.
People |
ORCID iD |
| Judith Croston (Principal Investigator) |
| Description | Athena Science Study Team |
| Organisation | European Space Agency |
| Department | European Space Research and Technology Centre (ESTEC) |
| Country | Netherlands |
| Sector | Public |
| PI Contribution | As part of the international Athena Science Study Team I contributed to multiple technical reports and planning activities in preparation for adoption of the ESA Athena Mission. I also led and participated in community-building and communication activities, including launching a new webinar series and editing a newsletter. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Science Study team members from European countries and international agencies (NASA, JAXA) interacted with ESA scientists, engineers and project managers to advance the mission towards adoption. |
| Impact | The main outputs have been internal technical reports, as well as decision-making about the mission progress. As a result of ESA financial constraints, the project has now entered a redefinition phase which is requiring substantial revision of earlier work. This is a multidisciplinary project involving scientists, engineers and professional/managerial staff. |
| Start Year | 2020 |
| Description | Athena X-ray Advances webinars |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Launched a monthly webinar series with talks of interest to the astronomy community, aimed at promoting science associated with the Athena mission. Talks attracted audiences of 50-100. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021,2022,2023 |
| URL | https://www.the-athena-x-ray-observatory.eu/en |
| Description | Athena newsletter |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A magazine, newsletter or online publication |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Edited the Athena newsletter, reporting on progress and activities associated with the mission. The newsletter was disseminated to a wide audience via social media and email lists. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020,2021,2022 |
| URL | https://www.the-athena-x-ray-observatory.eu/en |