One of the areas of Astrophysics research at UW-Madison focuses on theoretical and observational studies of the Interstellar Medium (ISM). Professor Don Cox heads the ISM Theory effort . His research interests are many, but his present work includes: modeling the Local Bubble surrounding our Solar System, modeling the evolution of supernova remnants, modeling spiral density waves as hydraulic jumps, to name only a few. Click here for further details on Don's interests and research. The observational programs include projects such as the Diffuse X-ray Spectrometer (DXS) that flew on the Space Shuttle (STS-54) Mission in January 1993, the Spatial Heterodyne Spectrometer (SHS) being developed for making an all sky-survey of the emissions from the Hot (100,000 K) Interstellar Medium from rocket launches, and the X-ray Quantum Calorimeter for studying the spectrum of radiation from the ISM. The XQC flew successfully on 3rd June 1996 on a rocket launched from White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico.

OSSE provides education and outreach support for this group.

Here is an on-line introduction to the The Fate of the Universe developed with support from NASA EPO Grants, produced with OSSE support and based on material presented to the PEOPLE Workshop June 2001 in Madison, Wisconsin.

Here are some streaming videos of three launches. 
You will need the Real Player to view these.

Launch 36-150 18 September 1998

Launch 36-171 2 November 1998

Launch 27-141 28 March 1999