Abstract

This workshop will concentrate on recent high-profile results from X-ray grating spectroscopy observations. In addition, near-term (Astro-H) and longer term (Athena) plans for the new world of micro calorimeter spectroscopy will be discussed, as well as future spectroscopic missions with both gratings and calorimeters such as envisioned for X-ray Surveyor mission. Topics will include:

  • Accretion, Outflows & Jets (from AGN, XRB, NS, WD, and Young Stars)
  • Dynamics and Abundances in Galaxies and Clusters
  • Stellar Atmospheres & Winds
  • Shocks & Flows At All Scales (including Novae, SNe, SNR, LHB, and Starbursts Galaxies)

Thanks to deeper observations and longer baselines, there have been a number of major X-ray spectroscopic discoveries that will be highlighted in invited and contributed talks as well as posters. The meeting will also include sessions on upcoming opportunities and expected science arising from X-ray calorimeters, such as Astro-H Soft X-ray Spectrometer as well as Athena's X-ray Integral Field Unit, including ideas for coordinated grating/calorimeter observations with these missions and with the X-ray Surveyor. We also plan a set of small-group parallel sessions to discuss how to make the best use of the existing archives, identify new spectral analysis tools and atomic data needs, and other topics relevant to high-resolution X-ray spectroscopy.

Additional Meeting Info

For those interested, there will also be pre-workshop events held August 17-18 local to the CfA. There will be an abbreviated AtomDB workshop (see www.atomdb.org), an opportunity to meet with the AtomDB team and others interested in atomic data and complex spectroscopy problems. Those interested in learning about the Chandra data analysis package CIAO, or who have complex CIAO questions they'd like to discuss with experts, are invited to express their interest via email to cxchelp@head.cfa.harvard.edu. Likewise, those desiring to learn about the Interactive Spectroscopic Analysis System (ISIS software; see space.mit.edu/cxc/isis2015), or to obtain advanced ISIS help (including using its interface with the AtomDB), should also email cxchelp@head.cfa.harvard.edu. One-day CIAO or ISIS workshops, or one-on-one sessions, will be organized depending on general interests.

Visa Information for International Participants

International visitors who present an oral talk, poster, or an exhibit and whose country does not participate in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program may request a letter of participation from cxcworkshop@cfa.harvard.edu for a B1 Visa for Business. Deadline to request a letter is May 31, 2015.

Others who do not meet the above criteria but need a visa for entry may apply for the same Visitor Visa except it will be for the Visa for Tourism-Pleasure (B2 Visa). No support letter from HRXS2015 is required.

For more information and guidance regarding the Visitor Visa program, please read: Visitor Visas - Business and Pleasure and select Overview.