Astrophysical X-ray source

An astronomical object or region that emits detectable X-rays. Sources include stars, compact objects, hot gas, and active galaxies.

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Thermal bremsstrahlung: Electromagnetic radiation emitted when charged particles are deflected by other charged particles. It produces X-rays when hot plasma repeatedly deflects fast electrons.
X-ray binary: A binary star system in which a compact object accretes matter from a companion. Gas transferred between the stars often forms a luminous X-ray source.
X-ray spectroscopy: The study of an object's X-ray spectrum to measure its physical and chemical properties. Spectral lines and continua reveal source temperatures, composition, and motion.
Gamma-ray source: An astronomical object or region emitting detectable gamma rays, the highest-energy form of electromagnetic radiation. Gamma rays generally probe more energetic photons and processes than X-rays.
Synchrotron radiation: Radiation emitted by relativistic charged particles spiraling through magnetic fields. It explains nonthermal X-rays from jets and pulsar wind nebulae.
Pulsar: A rotating neutron star that emits beams of electromagnetic radiation observed as pulses. Some pulsars emit X-rays from their surfaces, magnetospheres, or surrounding nebulae.
X-ray timing: The analysis of how an astronomical source's X-ray emission varies over time. Rapid changes can constrain the size and dynamics of compact emitting regions.
Ultraviolet source: An astronomical object or region emitting detectable ultraviolet radiation. Ultraviolet emission often traces hotter stellar atmospheres and less energetic plasma.
Inverse Compton scattering: The transfer of energy from relativistic electrons to photons during scattering. It can raise low-energy photons into the X-ray band near energetic sources.
Supernova remnant: An expanding structure of gas and dust produced by a stellar explosion. Shock-heated ejecta and swept-up gas glow in X-rays.