From StarTalk.

Neil and Kim answer a highly technical viewer question about why X-ray telescopes prioritize photon collection over diffraction-limited resolution. Kim explains the limits of physics and engineering—X-ray photons are extremely energetic and hard to focus—so maximizing photons is essential. They also discuss how scientists assign colors to invisible X-ray data, balancing scientific fidelity with aesthetic choices, sometimes adjusting colors to better communicate the science.

From ‘Listening for the Universe’s Secrets, with Kim Arcand’: https://youtu.be/46K8_HgrxEw?si=fLCtY9lb7mHGBTqH

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