x-ray astronomy

noun

the branch of astronomy that studies celestial objects by means of the x-rays emitted by them.
Compare x-ray(def 1b).

Origin of x-ray astronomy

First recorded in 1960–65

OTHER WORDS FROM x-ray astronomy

x-ray astronomer, noun

Words nearby x-ray astronomy

x-linked hypophosphatemic osteomalacia, x-radiate, x-radiation, x-rated, x-ray, x-ray astronomy, x-ray binary, x-ray binary star, x-ray burster, x-ray crystallography, x-ray diffraction

British Dictionary definitions for x-ray astronomy

X-ray astronomy

noun

the branch of astronomy concerned with the detection and measurement of X-rays emitted by certain celestial bodies. As X-rays are absorbed by the atmosphere, satellites and rockets are used

Scientific definitions for x-ray astronomy

x-ray astronomy

The study of celestial objects by measurement of the x-rays they emit. Because the Earth's atmosphere absorbs x-rays, x-ray detectors are usually carried into space on satellites. X-rays are emitted by high-energy objects such as active galactic nuclei, supernova remnants, x-ray binary stars, neutron stars, and the regions around black holes. Objects which do not produce their own x-rays can reflect radiation from nearby stars, making it possible to study the objects using x-ray astronomy; one notable example of this is the analysis of solar x-rays reflected by the Moon.