description Chandra X-ray Observatory Overview
The Chandra X-ray Observatory provides unique insights into the most energetic phenomena in the universe. By detecting X-rays, Chandra reveals processes invisible to optical telescopes, such as the behavior of black holes, supernova remnants, and hot plasma. Its high-resolution imaging capabilities allow astronomers to pinpoint the sources of X-rays and study their properties in detail. While specialized, Chandras observations are essential for a complete understanding of the cosmos.
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Chandra X-ray Observatory ranks #4 of 6 in the Space ranking, behind Star Wars, ahead of Interstellar.
help Chandra X-ray Observatory FAQ
What does the Chandra X-ray Observatory see that Hubble cannot?
Chandra observes X-rays from extremely energetic objects such as black holes, supernova remnants, and hot gas in galaxy clusters. Hubble mainly observes visible and ultraviolet light, so the two telescopes reveal different physical processes.
When was Chandra launched?
NASA launched Chandra on 23 July 1999 aboard Space Shuttle Columbia during mission STS-93. It is one of NASA's Great Observatories, alongside Hubble, Compton, and Spitzer.
Why does Chandra have to be in space?
Earth's atmosphere blocks most cosmic X-rays, which is good for life but impossible for ground-based X-ray astronomy. Chandra uses a highly elliptical Earth orbit so it can make long observations above much of the interference.
Who is Chandra named after?
The observatory is named for Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar, the Nobel Prize-winning astrophysicist known for work on stellar structure and white dwarfs. NASA renamed the mission from AXAF to Chandra before launch.
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