International Astrophysical Consortium for High-energy Calibration: Summary of the 16th IACHEC Workshop

TL;DR

This paper summarizes the activities and discussions of the 16th IACHEC Workshop, focusing on cross-calibration of X-ray observatories, calibration sources, statistical techniques, and knowledge preservation to improve high-energy astrophysics measurements.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive overview of current calibration efforts, challenges, and proposed improvements discussed by international experts in high-energy astrophysics.

Findings

Progress in cross-calibration between X-ray observatories

Development of new statistical calibration techniques

Identification of standard calibration sources

Abstract

In this report we summarize the activities of the International Astronomical Consortium for High Energy Calibration (IACHEC) from the 16th IACHEC Workshop at Parador de La Granja, Spain. Sixty-one scientists directly involved in the calibration of operational and future high-energy missions gathered during 3.5 days to discuss the status of the cross-calibration between the current international complement of X-ray observatories, and the possibilities to improve it. This summary consists of reports from the Working Groups with topics ranging across: the identification and characterization of standard calibration sources, multi-observatory cross-calibration campaigns, appropriate and new statistical techniques, calibration of instruments and characterization of background, preservation of knowledge, and results for the benefit of the astronomical community.