NSSDCA ID: 1975-057A-05
Mission Name: OSO 8This Wisconsin experiment was designed to measure galactic latitude dependence of the X-ray background radiation in the 0.150 to 45 keV region, emphasizing the soft X-ray portion. Two sets of three proportional counters mounted on the OSO wheel viewed parallel and antiparallel to the wheel spin direction. All detectors used collimators that were of hexagonal honeycomb construction with 3.5- by 3.5-deg FWHM. Sensitivity was expected to be about 1% statistical accuracy near the galactic poles, and energy resolution was provided by selected filters. Since two of the counters had thin polycarbonate windows through which methane diffused, a high-pressure methane reservoir carried on the spacecraft replenished those counters through a gas flow system. The remaining detectors were permanently sealed. The sealed counters had an additional thin film thermal barrier in the X-ray path of 551 micro-g sq cm aluminum. For more details, see A. N. Bunner, Ap. J., v. 220, p. 261, 1978.
Questions and comments about this experiment can be directed to: Coordinated Request and User Support Office
Name | Role | Original Affiliation | |
---|---|---|---|
Dr. Alan N. Bunner | Other Investigator | Perkin-Elmer Corporation | |
Prof. William L. Kraushaar | Principal Investigator | University of Wisconsin-Madison |