NASA is celebrating the twenty fifth anniversary of its Chandra X-ray Observatory release via sharing never-before-seen pictures of the most important identified spiral galaxy within the universe. The Chandra X-ray observatory was once introduced on July 23, 1999. Since then, it has scoured the universe to search for X-ray emissions from exploded stars, clusters of galaxies and extra, consistent with NASA. The observatory returns knowledge to the Chandra X-ray Middle at Harvard College’s Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory.
Since its release, the observatory has captured pictures of the aftermath of exploded stars, photographed the supermassive black hollow that exists on the middle of the Milky Approach, and helped scientists be informed extra about darkish subject, darkish power and black holes.
The barred spiral galaxy NGC 6872.
NASA/CXC/SAO
“For 1 / 4 century, Chandra has made discovery after wonderful discovery,” mentioned Pat Slane, director of the Chandra X-ray Middle, in a information unencumber shared via NASA. “Astronomers have used Chandra to analyze mysteries that we did not even find out about after we had been development the telescope — together with exoplanets and darkish power.”
Click on right here to view similar media.
click on to extend
The observatory captured 1000’s of pictures of the spiral galaxy, referred to as NGC 6872, since its release. The galaxy, situated within the Peacock constellation of the universe, is over 522,000 light-years throughout, or greater than 5 instances the dimensions of the Milky Approach, consistent with NASA. The 25 pictures launched via NASA display a surprising swirl of purple, blue and crimson. The sun items featured within the pictures come with the “Crab Nebula” and Cassiopeia A, supernova remnants notable for his or her placing look and big sizes. The observatory has additionally photographed the planet Jupiter.
A categorised record of the pictures launched to rejoice the Chandra X-ray Observatory’s twenty fifth anniversary.
NASA/SAO/CXC
“On behalf of the STS-93 staff, we’re greatly happy with the Chandra X-ray Observatory and its sensible staff that constructed and introduced this astronomical treasure,” mentioned Eileen Collins, commander of the gap go back and forth Columbia challenge that introduced Chandra into area in 1999, in NASA’s information unencumber. “Chandra’s discoveries have frequently astounded and inspired us over the last 25 years.”
Extra from CBS Information
Kerry Breen
Kerry Breen is a information editor at CBSNews.com. A graduate of New York College’s Arthur L. Carter Faculty of Journalism, she prior to now labored at NBC Information’ TODAY Virtual. She covers present occasions, breaking information and problems together with substance use.
Learn Extra
