High-Resolution X-Ray Spectroscopy Past, Present and Future

High-resolution X-ray spectroscopy has become a powerful tool for astrophysics since the launch of Chandra and XMM-Newton, ten years ago. The grating spectrometers on both instruments still continue to provide excellent data, while imaging calorimeters are being prepared for future missions like Astro-H and IXO. The synergy with other wavelength bands like the UV has been boosted by the addition of COS to HST. X-ray spectroscopy offers unique diagnostics to study almost any object in the Universe. This book contains review papers on highlights and the state-of-the-art of X-ray spectroscopy for a broad range of objects and on the prospects for future studies.

Spectroscopy in Utrecht: a brief history.- X-ray Diffraction Gratings for Astrophysics.- Future X-ray Missions for High Resolution Spectroscopy.- Element abundances in X-ray emitting plasmas in stars.- Charge Transfer Reactions.- X-ray Spectroscopy of Astrophysical Dust: A High Spectral Resolution (Re)View and look to the Future.- He-like ions as practical astrophysical plasma diagnostics: From stellar coronae to active galactic nuclei.- The Challenges of Plasma Modeling: Current Status and Future Plans.- X-ray Spectroscopy of Accreting White Dwarfs.- X-ray Reflection.- Photoionization Modeling.- Resonant Scattering of X-ray Emission Lines in the Hot Intergalactic Medium.- Plasma Motion and Kinematics in Cool and Hot Stars.- Kinematics of Supernova Remnants: Status of X-Ray Observations.- High Velocity Outflows in AGNs Observed with Gratings.- The UV-X-ray connection in AGN outflows.