First Wide Field-of-view X-Ray Observations by a Lobster-eye Focusing Telescope in Orbit

Abstract As a novel X-ray focusing technology, lobster-eye micropore optics (MPO) feature both wide observing field of view and true imaging capability, promising sky monitoring with significantly improved sensitivity spatial resolution in soft X-rays. Since first proposed by Angel, the have been extensively studied, developed trialed over past decades. In this Letter, we report on first-light results from flight experiment Lobster Eye Imager for Astronomy, pathfinder wide-field telescope Einstein Probe mission. The piggyback imager, launched 2022 July, has mostly unvignetted 18.°6 × 18.°6. Its is range 4?–7? FWHM focal spot effective area 2–3 cm 2 , showing only mild fluctuations across view. We present images Galactic center region, Sco X-1, diffuse Cygnus Loop nebular taken snapshot observations 0.5–4 keV. These are truly celestial bodies observed, time, telescope. Initial analyses in-flight data show excellent agreement between observed on-ground calibration simulations. instrument its characterization briefly described, as well experiment. provide solid basis development missions using MPO.