Browsing: NICER

NASA’s Neutron star Interior Composition Explorer (NICER) is a space-based observatory mounted on the International Space Station (ISS) dedicated to studying neutron stars, which are the dense remnants of supernova explosions. Launched in June 2017, NICER is equipped with a collection of 56 X-ray telescopes and silicon-drift detectors designed to measure the thermal and magnetic radiation emitted by neutron stars. By analyzing the X-ray signals, NICER aims to understand the interior structure of neutron stars, explore the physics of ultra-dense matter, and test the limits of general relativity. One of its key objectives is to measure the size and mass of neutron stars with unprecedented precision, providing insights into the fundamental physics governing their extreme environments. Additionally, NICER’s data has applications in areas such as pulsar-based navigation and timing, contributing to the development of future space exploration technologies.