CUBIC: Measuring the X-ray background from 0.2

Session 43 - The Diffuse ISM: Milky Way and Beyond.
Display session, Tuesday, June 11
Great Hall,

[43.03] CUBIC: Measuring the X-ray background from 0.2 - 10 keV

D. N. Burrows, M. A. Skinner, J. A. Nousek, G. P. Garmire (Penn State U.)

The CUBIC (Cosmic X-ray Background Instrument using CCDs) will be launched later this year to begin a three-year mission to measure the spectrum of the Diffuse X-ray Background. The instrument incorporates two CCDs for moderate non-dispersive spectral resolution in the bandpass 0.2 - 10.0 keV. The field of view is 5 \times 5 degrees below 1 keV and 10 \times 10 degrees above 3 keV. Observations will consist of 50,000 - 100,000 second integrations. The instrument was built at Penn State and has been integrated into the Argentine/US SAC-B satellite, which is now awaiting launch on a Pegasus XL vehicle. We describe the instrument design and performance specifications and present pre-flight calibration data.

Program listing for Tuesday