X-ray polarisation in astrophysics: a window about to open?
FA32
AlbaNova
It is 40 years since the polarisation of X-rays from the Crab was measured by an instrument flown on the OSO-8 satellite. Since then, X-ray polarisation has been heralded as opening a new observational window in high-energy astrophysics. To date, the window remains stubbornly closed and few new measurements have materialised. Recently, measurements using INTEGRAL and results from the IKAROS-GAP mission have been much discussed. A number of balloon-borne missions have made their maiden flights or will soon do so. Several new observational initiative are also being pursued for balloon-borne, satellite and space-station platforms. The aim of this meeting is to review current and proposed missions for X-ray polarisation and the current theoretical and instrumental state-of-the-art. The entire X-ray band will be addressed for point sources, gamma-ray bursts and solar flares. As well as invited review talks and contributed presentations, the meeting will include plenty of time for discussions and reflections.
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