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What Is the Chandra X-ray Observatory?
The Chandra X-ray Observatory is NASA’s most advanced X-ray telescope, designed to observe the universe’s hottest and most energetic objects.
It was launched in 1999 as part of NASA’s Great Observatories program, alongside the Hubble Space Telescope, Spitzer Space Telescope, and Compton Gamma Ray Observatory.
Chandra allows astronomers to study black holes, supernova remnants, neutron stars, and galaxy clusters with unprecedented detail.
Unlike visible light telescopes, Chandra detects high-energy X-rays emitted by cosmic objects, revealing hidden features in the universe.
This telescope has contributed to major discoveries, including evidence of dark matter, black hole mergers, and the largest shock wave in the universe.
Chandra is named after Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar, a Nobel Prize-winning physicist who made groundbreaking contributions to stellar evolution.
With its powerful X-ray vision, Chandra continues to provide valuable insights into the most extreme cosmic phenomena.
It remains operational more than two decades after its launch, exceeding its original mission lifespan.
Launched by a Space Shuttle
Unlike most space telescopes, Chandra was deployed by the Space Shuttle Columbia on July 23, 1999, during mission STS-93.
It was one of the heaviest payloads ever carried by a shuttle, weighing about 10,430 kg (22,960 lbs).
After deployment, an Inertial Upper Stage rocket boosted Chandra into its final orbit.
The telescope’s design allows it to capture X-rays, which are absorbed by Earth’s atmosphere and cannot be observed from the ground.
Its successful launch marked a major milestone in space-based X-ray astronomy.
The mission was commanded by Eileen Collins, the first female commander of a space shuttle flight.
Chandra’s instruments were specifically designed to detect extremely faint X-ray sources from across the cosmos.
Since its launch, Chandra has continued to operate well beyond its initial five-year mission plan.
Chandra X-ray Observatory FAQ
Why does Chandra observe in X-rays?
X-rays allow scientists to study extremely hot and energetic objects in space, such as black holes, neutron stars, and galaxy clusters.
How far can Chandra see?
Chandra can detect X-rays from objects billions of light-years away, helping astronomers study the early universe.
How does Chandra differ from the Hubble Space Telescope?
Hubble observes visible and ultraviolet light, while Chandra detects high-energy X-rays that reveal hot cosmic phenomena.
Why is Chandra’s orbit so far from Earth?
Chandra follows a highly elliptical orbit that takes it nearly 86,900 miles (140,000 km) from Earth to avoid interference from our planet’s X-ray-absorbing atmosphere.
Is Chandra still operational?
Yes! Despite being over 24 years old, Chandra continues to make groundbreaking discoveries.
What has Chandra discovered?
Chandra has found evidence of dark matter, observed black hole mergers, and detected the largest known shock wave in the universe.
What will happen to Chandra in the future?
As long as it remains functional, Chandra will continue to observe the cosmos, with no immediate plans to replace it.