The High Energy X-ray Probe (HEX-P): resolving the nature of X-ray binaries, Sgr A* flares and particle accelerators in the Galactic Center

HEX-P is a next-generation probe-class mission concept that will revolutionize our understanding of a range of important astrophysical problems. It will combine high spatial resolution X-ray imaging (<10 arcsec FWHM) and broad spectral coverage (0.1-80 keV) with an effective area far superior to current facilities’ (including XMM-Newton and NuSTAR). We present detailed simulations of HEX-P observations of the Galactic Center to demonstrate the incredible capabilities of this powerful observatory. HEX-P will be uniquely equipped to explore three major topics in Galactic astrophysics, allowing us to (1) determine the nature of compact object binaries in the central few parsecs, and the X-ray source population in the nuclear star cluster; (2) detect and characterize the highest energy X-ray flares emitted from the supermassive black hole at Sgr A*; and (3) explore PeVatron accelerators by observing non-thermal X-ray filaments and molecular clouds, in synergy with the next generation of TeV gamma-ray telescopes. More information on HEX-P, including the full team list, is available at hexp.org.