2013/03/20 by Martin C. Weisskopf, Weisskopf, Martin C.
Physics and Astronomy · #FOS: Physical sciences #History and Philosophy of Physics (physics.hist-ph) #Instrumentation and Methods for Astrophysics (astro-ph.IM) #astro-ph.IM #physics.hist-ph
paper · pdf · doi:10.48550/arxiv.1303.6585
7 pages, 3 figures, submitted to the American Inst. Of Physics, Center for History of Physics. (Niels Bohr Library & Archive)
arxiv created 2013/03/20 · arxiv updated 2013/03/27
I summarize the excitement of my role primarily in the early years of X-ray Astronomy. As a "second-generation" X-ray astronomer, I was privileged to participate in the enormous advance of the field, both technically and astrophysically, that occurred in the late 1960's and 1970's. The remainder of my career has concentrated on the design, construction, calibration, operation, and scientific maintenance of the "cathedral" that is the Chandra X-Ray Observatory. I contrast my early experiences with the current environment for the design and development of instrumentation, especially X-ray optics, which are absolutely essential for the development of the discipline. I express my concerns for the future of X-ray astronomy and offer specific suggestions that I hope will advance the discipline at a more effective and rapid pace.