Speaker
Description
We present an X-ray imager concept for the Jovian system. With the advancement of light-weight, novel lobster eye X-ray instrumentation, it is now possible to send an X-ray imaging telescope to the outer solar system, building on the heritage gained at the University of Leicester for such instrumentation (MIXS on BepiColombo, LEIA, WXT on EP, MXT on SVOM and SXI on SMILE). The Jovian system is host to a large range of processes generating X-rays, including energetic particle precipitation onto the surfaces of the moons, charge exchange in the Io plasma torus, the planetary X-ray aurorae, and inverse-Compton scattering in the radiation belts. Measuring these emissions can provide insights into Jupiter’s magnetosphere and sources, sinks and processes in particle populations. We discuss methods of radiation hardening to mitigate the unique challenges posed by Jovian system and its high radiation background. We present the concept of an X-ray imager and discuss the processes of X-ray production, science gains and the technology developments still required for such an instrument.
