XCalibur 2019

July 15-18 2019 • Winchester, UK

Abstract Book Now Available. Click here.

Hitomi hackathon script for data download and analysis. Click here. (Credit: Mizumoto/Tsujimoto)

Updated Programme (July 13) available. Presentations also available as we receive them.


Motivation

An unprecedented new window into observational cosmology and astrophysics was opened by the Hitomi X-ray mission, which used microcalorimeter technology to deliver X-ray observations of cosmic sources with < 5 eV spectral resolution. This regime represents a game-change in X-ray astronomy, enabling novel plasma physical condition and metallicity diagnostics, together with searches for fundamental new emission signatures such as the much-debated ~3.5 keV dark matter decay lines expected in the X-ray regime.

The new X-Ray Imaging and Spectroscopy Mission (XRISM - jointly funded by JAXA/NASA/ESA) is due to launch in the early 2020s. Beyond that, we can look forward to Athena, and possibly ARCUS, Super-DIOS or similar missions, in the 2030s to open this new regime wider.

The XCalibur 2019 workshop aims to bring together international experts (with non-experts very welcome) on X-ray spectroscopy to provide a forum for discussing the novel science enabled by these missions, to formulate the best way of exploiting the large new parameter space, and to strategize future observations. We also intend to have pedagogical reviews, as well as a Hitomi analysis hackathon session, which should be particularly beneficial for young scientists and non-experts in the field of high resolution X-ray spectroscopy. We hope to have an informal atmosphere with plenty of discussion time.

There is no better host city for this workshop than the historic town of Winchester, home to that great symbol of medieval mythology: the Round Table associated with King Arthur, wielder of the legendary Excalibur. The beautiful venue of the Winchester Guildhall allows for about 100 participants, and limited funding support is available.

Social events will include a visit to historic Stonehenge.

Overview

The workshop will run for 3.5 days with invited and contributed talks, open discussion sessions, as well as posters focused on several broad themes:
• Physics of Extreme Hot Plasmas
• Compact Objects and Gravity
• Life Cycle of Baryons
• Energy flows and Feedback
• The Search for Dark Matter and New Physics
• Community Preparation for XRISM and Athena

Timeline

• 25 Nov 2018: Pre-registration open.
• 10 Jan 2019: Registration open.
• 15 Feb 2019: Payment opens.
• 07 Mar 2019: Abstract submission deadline (for Talks).
• 03 Apr 2019: Programme announced.
• 20 Apr 2019: Registration deadline.
• 21 Apr 2019: Late registration.
• 15 Jul 2019: Workshop.

Code of Conduct

The Royal Astronomical Society has published an excellent Code of Conduct which also covers conduct during events, and we have adopted these general principles for our workshop. We expect all participants to adhere to these guidelines, and to conduct themselves professionally, respectfully, and collegially, during the workshop. Any issues should be brought to the attention of any one of the organisers.
Abstract submission now closed. Thanks for the excellent submissions!

Click here to Complete Registration and Pay.

Note that you may have to create an account with the University's Online Store. The registration fee funds the room hire, select lunches, and all refreshments. The Conference Dinner and the Excursion are costed separately. Late registration fees may be increased if we need to do so. We have tried our best to keep registration costs low to widen participation. We should be able to provide financial support to selected participants. Preference will be given to students, but anyone may apply. If you wish to be considered for this, please contact the organisers.

Click here to view the workshop programme and presentation files.

Click here regarding travel information to Winchester.



Invited Speakers and Discussion Leaders

Kevork Abazajian (UCI) • Didier Barret (IRAP) • Alexey Boyarsky (SRON) • Graziella Branduardi-Raymont (UCL) • Massimo Cappi (INAF) • Maria Diaz-Trigo (ESO) • Chris Done (Durham) • Andrew Fabian (IoA) • Liyi Gu (Tokyo) • Craig Heinke (Alberta) • Jelle Kaastra (SRON) • Erin Kara (MIT) • Taiki Kawamuro (NAOJ) • Julia Lee (Harvard) • Misaki Mizumoto (Durham) • Fabrizio Nicastro (Roma) • Randall Smith (Harvard) • Makoto Tashiro (Saitama) • Francesco Tombesi (Roma) • Masahiro Tsujimoto (JAXA) • Yoshihiro Ueda (Kyoto)

Organisers

Aya Bamba (Tokyo) • Pasquale di Bari (Southampton) • Maria Diaz Trigo (ESO) • Poshak Gandhi (Southampton) • Matteo Guainazzi (ESA) • Ian Jones (Southampton) • Richard Mushotzky (Maryland) • Christopher Reynolds (Cambridge) • Makoto Tashiro (Saitama)

Peter Boorman • Matthew Middleton • Claire Greenwell • Poshak Gandhi • John Paice • Ian Jones (Southampton)

Financial Sponsors

• University of Southampton STAG

Accommodation

Click here for preliminary accommodation information . This page will be updated in the coming months.

Social

Click here for ye olde fun tymes!

Contact

E-mail

To contact the organising committee, please e-mail xcal2019@gmail.com

Address

Guildhall
Winchester
SO23 9GH
UK