The high energy X-ray probe (HEX-P): Resolving the nature of Sgr A* flares, compact object binaries and diffuse X-ray emission in the Galactic center and beyond

• DOI: 10.3389/fspas.2023.1292130
• Publication Date: 2024-01-08T04:17:17Z
• Authors: Kaya Mori; Gabriele Ponti; Matteo Bachetti; Arash Bodaghee; Jonathan Grindlay; Jaesub Hong; Roman Krivonos; Ekaterina Kuznetsova; Shifra Mandel; Antonio Rodriguez; Giovanni Stel; Shuo Zhang; Tong Bao; Franz Bauer; Maïca Clavel; Benjamin Coughenour; Javier A. García; Julian Gerber; Brian Grefenstette; Amruta Jaodand; Bret Lehmer; Kristin Madsen; Melania Nynka; Peter Predehl; Ciro Salcedo; Daniel Stern; John Tomsick
• Keywords: Compact star; Black hole (networking)

HEX-P is a probe-class mission concept that will combine high spatial resolution X-ray imaging ($<10"$ FWHM) and broad spectral coverage (0.2-80 keV) with an effective area far superior to current facilities' (including XMM-Newton NuSTAR). These capabilities enable revolutionary new insights into variety of important astrophysical problems. We present scientific objectives simulations observations the Galactic Center (GC) Bulge. demonstrate unique powerful observatory for studying both point sources diffuse emission. be uniquely equipped explore major topics in astrophysics, allowing us (1) investigate broad-band properties flares emitted from supermassive black hole (BH) at Sgr A* probe associated particle acceleration emission mechanisms; (2) identify hard detected by NuSTAR determine source populations different regions luminosity ranges; (3) distribution compact object binaries nuclear star cluster composition Ridge emission; (4) transients measure fundamental parameters such as BH spin; (5) find hidden pulsars GC; (6) search BH-OB young stellar objects massive clusters; (7) white dwarf (WD) masses magnetic CVs deepen our understanding CV evolution origin WD fields; (8) primary accelerators GC synergy future TeV neutrino observatories; (9) map out cosmic-ray distributions observing non-thermal filaments; (10) past outbursts through reflection components giant molecular clouds.