Chandra X-Ray Observatory

Definition

The Chandra X-Ray Observatory is a space telescope launched by NASA in 1999 for detecting X-ray emissions from high-energy regions of the universe. It helps astronomers study phenomena such as black holes, supernovae, and galaxy clusters.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Launched on July 23, 1999, aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia (STS-93).
2. Named after Indian-American astrophysicist Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar.
3. Operates in an elliptical orbit around Earth, allowing it to observe X-ray sources without atmospheric interference.
4. Uses grazing incidence mirrors to focus X-rays onto its detectors.
5. Has contributed to significant discoveries, including detailed images of supernova remnants and evidence of dark matter.

Review Questions

• What year was the Chandra X-Ray Observatory launched?
• Who is the Chandra X-Ray Observatory named after?
• Why does the Chandra X-Ray Observatory operate in an elliptical orbit?

Related terms

Hubble Space Telescope: A space telescope launched in 1990 that observes visible, ultraviolet, and near-infrared light.

X-ray Astronomy: The study of astronomical objects at X-ray wavelengths to understand high-energy processes in the universe.

Supernova Remnants: Structures resulting from the explosion of a star in a supernova, often studied using X-ray observatories like Chandra.