PoGO-lite: test run Polarized Gamma Observatory

The Department of Physics and Astronomy Colloquium: Prof. Gary Varner, University of Hawaii, Manoa to speak on "PoGO-lite: the test run of the Polarized Gamma Observatory."

Abstract:
The PoGO-lite telescope is a pathfinder high-altitude balloon mission to study the polarization of x-rays emitted by some of the most dynamic and violent objects in the universe: neutron stars, pulsars and black hole systems. Real-time polarization imaging is a new tool that may help distinguish between models that are competing to explain how these monsters work.

When fully inflated, the balloon carrying the payload has a volume of about 1 million cubic meters, a mind-bogglingly large volume required because PoGO-lite, despite its name, is not so light - it weighs about 2 Tonnes. It is important to lift PoGO-lite as high as possible since X-rays are absorbed by the Earth's atmosphere.

Key to the polarization measurement is the nature of Compton scattering of photons. The basic physics and instrumental implementation of this technique will be discussed. Predictions for a few candidates, well-known observation x-ray sources will be presented. A review of the first flight from Esrange, Sweden, in July 2011 will be given followed by concluding prospects for the future.

Event Sponsor
Physics and Astronomy, Mānoa Campus

More Information
Dr. Gary Varner, 956-2987, varner@phys.hawaii.edu, http://www.phys.hawaii.edu/indico/conferenceDisplay.py?confId=222

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