SmallSat Solar Axion and Activity X-ray Imager (SSAXI)

Understand

Axions are a promising dark matter candidate as well as a solution to the strong charge-parity (CP) problem in quantum chromodynamics (QCD).

• We describe a new mission concept for SmallSat Solar Axion and Activity X-ray Imager (SSAXI) to search for solar axions or axion-like particles (ALPs) and to monitor solar activity of the entire solar disc over a wide dynamic range.
• SSAXI aims to unambiguously identify X-rays converted from axions in the solar magnetic field along the line of sight to the solar core, effectively imaging the solar core.
• SSAXI also plans to establish a statistical database of X-ray activities from Active Regions, microflares, and Quiet Sun regions to understand the origin of the solar corona heating processes.