The New Hard X-ray Mission

TL;DR

The NHXM mission aims to revolutionize hard X-ray astronomy by combining high-resolution imaging and polarimetry to address key astrophysical questions about black holes, accretion, and particle acceleration.

Contribution

This paper presents the design and mission concept of NHXM, a novel hard X-ray observatory with advanced imaging and polarimetric capabilities.

Findings

Design of a four-mirror X-ray telescope with 80 keV imaging

Integration of imaging and polarimetric detectors in a single mission

Placement in low Earth orbit for low background observations

Abstract

The Italian New Hard X-ray Mission (NHXM) has been designed to provide a real breakthrough on a number of hot astrophysical issues that includes: black holes census, the physics of accretion, the particle acceleration mechanisms, the effects of radiative transfer in highly magnetized plasmas and strong gravitational fields. NHXM is an evolution of the HEXIT-Sat concept and it combines fine imaging capability up to 80 keV, today available only at E<10 keV, with sensitive photoelectric imaging polarimetry. It consists of four identical mirrors, with a 10 m focal length, achieved after launch by means of a deployable structure. Three of the four telescopes will have at their focus identical spectral-imaging cameras, while X-ray imaging polarimetric cameras will be placed at the focus of the fourth. In order to ensure a low and stable background, NHXM will be placed in a low Earth equatorial orbit. In this paper we provide an overall description of this mission that is currently in phase B.