Einstein Probe Captures First Images

China’s Einstein Probe (EP) astronomical satellite, sent into space in January this year, has captured its first in-orbit detection images, which were presented at a parallel forum of the 2024 Zhongguancun Forum in Beijing on Saturday.
Inspired by the functions of lobster eyes, EP uses new X-ray detection technology to observe mysterious transient phenomena in the universe that flicker like fireworks. During its commissioning phase, EP has detected 17 X-ray transients and 127 stellar flares. These findings have guided a range of ground-based and space-based telescopes in follow-up observations in multiple wavebands.