X-rays Studies of the Solar System

TL;DR

X-ray observatories are vital for Solar System research, revealing interactions, compositions, and dynamics, but current technology limits progress; future advancements in X-ray optics promise transformative scientific insights.

Contribution

The paper highlights the importance of X-ray observations in Solar System studies and advocates for modern X-ray optics to overcome current technological limitations.

Findings

X-ray observations probe Sun-object interactions and surface compositions.

Technological limitations hinder broader scientific applications.

Advances in X-ray optics will enable transformative Solar System science.

Abstract

X-ray observatories contribute fundamental advances in Solar System studies by probing Sun-object interactions, developing planet and satellite surface composition maps, probing global magnetospheric dynamics, and tracking astrochemical reactions. Despite these crucial results, the technological limitations of current X-ray instruments hinder the overall scope and impact for broader scientific application of X-ray observations both now and in the coming decade. Implementation of modern advances in X-ray optics will provide improvements in effective area, spatial resolution, and spectral resolution for future instruments. These improvements will usher in a truly transformative era of Solar System science through the study of X-ray emission.