DAXSS

Overview

DAXSS (Dual-zone Aperture X-ray Solar Spectrometer), also described as the third-generation Miniature X-ray Solar Spectrometer (MinXSS-3), provides solar soft X-ray spectral measurements used in flare-onset / HOPE studies and related irradiance science. The CV lists ongoing MinXSS / DAXSS work (2022–present; flown) focused on solar X-ray data analysis and spectral modeling, including the awarded DAXSS extended-mission effort for active-region abundance and thermosphere density variation studies.

Motivation

Soft X-ray spectra constrain flare and active-region plasma temperature, emission measure, and elemental abundances. DAXSS observations underpin the HOPE onset analyses and contribute to broader MinXSS-series science goals documented in the first-results ApJ paper.

Methods

Spectral modeling of DAXSS photon-counting soft X-ray data (including APEC plasma model fitting as used in the HOPE / flare-onset papers). Instrument context and early science results are described in Woods et al., ApJ 956, 94 (2023).

Results / Objectives

See the DAXSS first-results paper and the HOPE / flare-onset publications for peer-reviewed findings. Extended-mission objectives include new studies of solar active-region abundance and thermosphere density variations (per CV grant listing).

Publications

• Woods et al., “First Results for Solar Soft X-Ray Irradiance Measurements from the Third-generation Miniature X-Ray Solar Spectrometer,” ApJ 956, 94 (2023). DOI
• Telikicherla, Woods & Schwab, “Investigating the Soft X-Ray Spectra of Solar Flare Onsets,” ApJ 966, 198 (2024). DOI
• Telikicherla, Woods & Schwab, “Improving Solar Flare Nowcasting with the Hot Onset Precursor Event Technique,” ApJ 993, 95 (2025). DOI

Collaborators

Collaborators are listed on the related publications.