Chandra X-ray Observatory

Seeing the universe in X-rays, optical and infrared, all at once

26 May 2023 Astronomy Now

New images of two galaxies, a star cluster and the famed “Pillars of Creation” showcase the value of multi-wavelength astronomy when it comes to seeing the Big Picture.

X-ray studies reveal new details about the pulsar-powered Crab Nebula

10 April 2023 Astronomy Now

A detailed map of the Crab Nebula’s magnetic field shows areas of turbulence are more patchy and asymmetrical than previously expected, an indication current models need refinement.

Rings around a black hole from X-ray echoes off interstellar dust

8 August 2021 Astronomy Now

An X-ray outburst from a binary black hole system creates spectacular “light echoes” as the radiation bounces off intervening dust clouds, shedding light on the hole’s activity and the nature of the smoke-like dust grains.

X-rays from Uranus caused by sunlight and, possibly, complex auroras

31 March 2021 Astronomy Now

Astronomers have detected X-rays from Uranus for the first time, likely caused by sunlight scattering off the ice giant’s atmosphere. But there are hints of complex auroral emissions.

Three more space vistas turned into sonic tapestries

24 March 2021 Astronomy Now

Data from the Chandra X-ray Observatory and other telescopes is turned into sound in NASA’s latest data sonification series.

Evidence grows for pulsar at the heart of famed supernova remnant

1 March 2021 Astronomy Now

Astronomers find more evidence for an obscured pulsar at the heart of the famed SN 1987A supernova remnant.

The case of the missing supermassive black hole

25 January 2021 Astronomy Now

Despite careful searches with the Hubble and Chandra space telescopes, astronomers have been unable to find a presumed supermassive black hole at the heart of a giant galaxy.

Intermediate mass ‘missing link’ black hole identified

2 April 2020 Astronomy Now

The Hubble Space Telescope provides strong evidence that a presumed tidal disruption event was caused by an intermediate-mass black hole.

Citizen scientists showcased for spectacular images

3 November 2019 Astronomy Now

The Chandra X-ray Observatory project is showcasing citizen scientists who help astronomers by sifting through public data archives and processing spectacular, scientifically valuable images that can lead to new discoveries.

ALMA provides a fresh look at a cosmic jellyfish

30 September 2019 Astronomy Now

The Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array captures the glowing tentacle-like tail of molecular debris streaming away in the wake of a spiral galaxy as it plows through the gas permeating an enormous galactic cluster.