| Einstein Observatory |
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An X-ray astronomy satellite launched by the USA on 13 November 1978. Officially designated HEAO-2 (2nd High Energy Astrophysical Observatory), it was informally renamed by the scientific staff working on it in celebration of the centenary of the birth of Albert Einstein. It was the first X-ray observatory to be able to detect faint sources and to make images of complex or extended sources. Many important and significant observations were made until the supply of gas needed to control the telescope's position was exhausted in April 1981. See also: X-ray astronomy. |