X-RAY ASTRONOMY-THE FIRST DECADE

The years 1960 to 1970 saw the emergence of x-ray astronomy . By 1960 plans were being made for cosmic x-ray observations by a number of groups around the world , based on extrapolations from solar and cosmic ray observations. Still the discovery of significant fluxes of x-rays was a complete surprise in 1962 . Over the next several years , follow-up observations were made and many new groups entered the field . Notable discoveries included the identification of the Crab Nebula as an x-ray source and the identification of Sco X-1 with a 13th magnitude stellar object that had the characteristics of an old nova . By the end of the decade the Uhuru x-ray satellite was flying and planning was underway for the HEAO spacecraft, including the Einstein Observatory, and many smaller instruments.