Neutron Star Interior Composition Explorer (NICER)

The Neutron Star Interior Composition Explorer (NICER) is a NASA space mission designed to study neutron stars, which are incredibly dense remnants of collapsed massive stars. Launched in 2017, NICER uses specialized X-ray telescopes to observe the X-rays emitted from these stars. By analyzing the light and heat from neutron stars, NICER aims to understand their structure, composition, and the extreme physics governing them. This research helps scientists gain insights into fundamental questions about matter under extreme conditions, enhancing our understanding of the universe and the life cycles of stars.