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NICER

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description NICER Overview

The Neutron star Interior Composition Explorer (NICER) is an X-ray telescope developed by NASA and installed on the exterior of the International Space Station in 2017. The payload is designed to observe the X-ray emissions from neutron stars, allowing scientists to study their extreme physical properties and interior composition. In addition to its observational duties, NICER includes the SEXTANT technology demonstration, which tests the feasibility of using X-ray signals from pulsars for deep-space navigation.

help NICER FAQ

What does NASA's NICER mission study?

NICER studies neutron stars by measuring their X-ray emissions. Its observations help scientists investigate the size, mass, and interior physics of these extremely dense stellar remnants.

Where is NICER installed?

NICER is mounted on the exterior of the International Space Station. The instrument was installed in 2017, giving it an orbiting platform for repeated X-ray observations.

What does NICER stand for?

NICER stands for Neutron star Interior Composition Explorer. The name reflects its main scientific goal of learning about the matter inside neutron stars.

How does NICER use X-rays from neutron stars?

NICER records the timing and energy of X-rays from rapidly rotating neutron stars, including pulsars. Variations in those signals can reveal how the stars bend light and constrain their physical dimensions.

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