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Never-Before-Seen Images by Chandra X-Ray Observatory

In 1999, the most powerful X-ray telescope in the world launched and has orbiting Earth ever since, peering at black holes, stellar explosions and dark energy.


Though we can’t see them, X-rays are widespread in outer space. They emanate from some of the most powerful - and mysterious - objects in the universe, from black holes to exploded stars to elusive dark energy.


Now, used in conjunction with other space-based observatories, Chandra has contributed to myriad scientific discoveries, and captured almost 25,000 observations in its 25 years. "Chandra has made discovery after amazing discovery,” says Pat Slane, director of the Chandra X-ray Center, located at the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory.


In recognition of Chandra’s quarter-century in space, astronomers have released a selection of never-before-seen images captured by the telescope. The newly unveiled pictures are composites - many contain a backdrop taken by another space or ground observatory, such as the Hubble Space Telescope, the James Webb Space Telescope or the Very Large Telescope, among others, and overlaid on that is Chandra’s view of X-ray emissions, often depicted in a shade of purple. Here are some of OGN's favourites...


Centaurus A

The galaxy Centaurus A contains a black hole blasting out jets of material into space.


Galaxy Centaurus A
X-ray: (Chandra) NASA/CXC/SAO, (IXPE) NASA/MSFC; Optical: ESO; Image Processing: NASA/CXC/SAO/K. Arcand, J. Major


Crab Nebula

The Crab Nebula, the first object in the Messier catalog, has long been observed by humans.


The Crab nebula
X-ray: (Chandra) NASA/CXC/SAO, (IXPE) NASA/MSFC; Optical: NASA/ESA/STScI; Image Processing: NASA/CXC/SAO/K. Arcand and L. Frattare


Pillars of Creation

The famous Pillars of Creation are dotted with colourful young stars in the foreground.


Pillars of Creation
X-ray: NASA/CXO/SAO; Infrared: NASA/ESA/CSA/STScI; Image processing: NASA/CXC/SAO/L. Frattare

Supernova Remnant

A supernova remnant is surrounded in a purple cloud of X-rays.


Supernova remnant
X-ray: NASA/CXC/SAO; Infrared: NASA/JPL/CalTech/Spitzer; Radio: NSF/NRAO/VLA; Image Processing: NASA/CXC/SAO/L. Frattare


Cassiopeia A

Supernova remnant Cassiopeia A was first spotted on Earth around 340 years ago.


Cassiopeia A
X-ray: NASA/CXC/SAO; Infrared: NASA/ESA/CSA/STScI/D. Milisavljevic (Purdue Univ.), I. De Looze (UGent), T. Temim (Princeton Univ.); Image Processing: NASA/CXC/SAO/J. Major, J. Schmidt and K. Arcand


Spiral Galaxy

Spiral galaxy NGC 6872 interacts with a smaller, nearby galaxy that's robbing gas from its larger companion.


Spiral galaxy NGC 6872
X-ray: NASA/CXC/SAO; Optical: NASA/ESA/STScI; Image Processing: NASA/CXC/SAO/J. Schmidt, L. Frattare, and J. Major


The Cosmic Hand

MSH 15-52, a pulsar wind nebula, looks like a cosmic hand.


MSH 15-52, the cosmic hand
X-ray: NASA/CXC/SAO; Optical: NASA/JPL-Caltech/DECaPS; Image processing: NASA/CXC/SAO/J. Schmidt

 
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