Chandra X-ray Observatory
SpacecraftAbout
The Chandra X-ray Observatory is a space-based telescope launched by NASA in 1999. It is designed to detect X-ray emissions from high-energy regions of the universe, such as supernova remnants, black holes, and galaxy clusters. Chandra orbits Earth at altitudes up to 139,000 km, allowing it to observe the sky without interference from Earth's atmosphere. The observatory uses four pairs of nested iridium mirrors to focus X-rays onto detectors, providing high-resolution images and spectra. Chandra has significantly advanced our understanding of astrophysical phenomena. It has imaged supernova remnants, observed black holes, and studied galaxy clusters. Chandra's findings have contributed to insights into dark matter and dark energy. Managed by the Chandra X-ray Center at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, the observatory continues to explore the universe's high-energy phenomena. Its data informs astrobiological studies, helping researchers understand planetary system formation and habitability.
