X-ray astrophysics in Belgium

X-ray emission is a powerful diagnostic tool of the most extreme and energetic processes taking place in the Universe. Thanks to PRODEX funding via Belspo, Liège University and the Centre Spatial de Liège got involved in the design and building of the Optical Monitor aboard XMM-Newton. The guaranteed observing time that was granted in return paved the way to a series of highly successful guest observer programs dedicated to the analyses of X-ray emission of massive stars and their highly energetic stellar winds.