Science of High Resolution X-ray Imaging

Abstract

This report summarizes potential studies of the Hi-ReX Science Analysis Group for an Ultra-High Angular Resolution X-ray Observatory. Many potential science cases are presented, spanning a range of astrophysical topics from solar system planets and exoplanets to supermassive black holes and cosmology. These cases demonstrate the value of X-ray imaging beyond current capabilities with an aim toward milli-arcsecond and micro-arcsecond angular scales. There is an imaging gap between the current capability of the best X-ray imaging telescope, the Chandra X-ray Observatory, compared to that of instruments across the electromagnetic spectrum. Next-generation, ultra-high angular resolution X-ray imaging will close this gap and transform our understanding of the universe and fundamental physics.