Chandra X-ray Observatory
Names | Advanced X-ray Astrophysics Facility (AXAF) | ||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mission type | X-ray astronomy | ||||||||||
Operator | NASA / SAO / CXC | ||||||||||
COSPAR ID | 1999-040B | ||||||||||
SATCAT no. | 25867 | ||||||||||
Website | https://chandra.harvard.edu/ | ||||||||||
Mission duration | Planned: 5 years Elapsed: 24 years, 9 months, 3 days | ||||||||||
Spacecraft properties | |||||||||||
Manufacturer | TRW Inc. | ||||||||||
Launch mass | 5,860 kg (12,930 lb)[1] | ||||||||||
Dry mass | 4,790 kg (10,560 lb)[1] | ||||||||||
Dimensions | Deployed: 13.8 × 19.5 m (45.3 × 64.0 ft)[2] Stowed: 11.8 × 4.3 m (38.7 × 14.0 ft)[1] | ||||||||||
Power | 2,350 W[2] | ||||||||||
Start of mission | |||||||||||
Launch date | July 23, 1999, 04:30:59.984[3] | UTC||||||||||
Rocket | Space Shuttle Columbia (STS-93) | ||||||||||
Launch site | Kennedy LC-39B | ||||||||||
Orbital parameters | |||||||||||
Reference system | Semi-major axis 80,795.9 km (50,204.2 mi) | | |||||||||
Eccentricity | 0.743972 | ||||||||||
Perigee altitude | 14,307.9 km (8,890.5 mi) | ||||||||||
Apogee altitude | 134,527.6 km (83,591.6 mi) | ||||||||||
Inclination | 76.7156° | ||||||||||
Period | 3809.3 min | ||||||||||
RAAN | 305.3107° | ||||||||||
Argument of perigee | 267.2574° | ||||||||||
Mean anomaly | 0.3010° | ||||||||||
Mean motion | 0.3780 rev/day | ||||||||||
Epoch | September 4, 2015, 04:37:54 UTC[4] | ||||||||||
Revolution no. | 1358 | ||||||||||
Main telescope | |||||||||||
Type | keV)[6] | ||||||||||
Resolution | 0.5 arcsec[2] | ||||||||||
| |||||||||||
The Chandra X-ray Observatory (CXO), previously known as the Advanced X-ray Astrophysics Facility (AXAF), is a
Chandra is one of the
History
In 1976, the Chandra X-ray Observatory (called AXAF at the time) was proposed to NASA by
AXAF was renamed Chandra as part of a contest held by NASA in 1998, which drew more than 6,000 submissions worldwide.
Originally scheduled to be launched in December 1998,[9] the spacecraft was delayed several months, eventually being launched on July 23, 1999, at 04:31 UTC by Space Shuttle Columbia during STS-93. Chandra was deployed by Cady Coleman[11] from Columbia at 11:47 UTC. The Inertial Upper Stage's first stage motor ignited at 12:48 UTC, and after burning for 125 seconds and separating, the second stage ignited at 12:51 UTC and burned for 117 seconds.[12] At 22,753 kilograms (50,162 lb),[1] it was the heaviest payload ever launched by the shuttle, a consequence of the two-stage Inertial Upper Stage booster rocket system needed to transport the spacecraft to its high orbit.
Chandra has been returning data since the month after it launched. It is operated by the SAO at the Chandra X-ray Center in
Although Chandra was initially given an expected lifetime of 5 years, on September 4, 2001, NASA extended its lifetime to 10 years "based on the observatory's outstanding results."[13] Physically Chandra could last much longer. A 2004 study performed at the Chandra X-ray Center indicated that the observatory could last at least 15 years.[14] It is active as of 2024 and has an upcoming schedule of observations published by the Chandra X-ray Center.[15]
In July 2008, the
On October 10, 2018, Chandra entered safe mode operations, due to a gyroscope glitch. NASA reported that all science instruments were safe.[18][19] Within days, the 3-second error in data from one gyro was understood, and plans were made to return Chandra to full service. The gyroscope that experienced the glitch was placed in reserve and is otherwise healthy.[20]
Example discoveries
The data gathered by Chandra has greatly advanced the field of X-ray astronomy. Here are some examples of discoveries supported by observations from Chandra:
- The first light image, of supernova remnant Cassiopeia A, gave astronomers their first glimpse of the compact object at the center of the remnant, probably a neutron star or black hole.[21]
- In the Crab Nebula, another supernova remnant, Chandra showed a never-before-seen ring around the central pulsar and jets that had only been partially seen by earlier telescopes.[citation needed]
- The first X-ray emission was seen from the supermassive black hole, Sagittarius A*, at the center of the Milky Way.[citation needed]
- Chandra found much more cool gas than expected spiraling into the center of the Andromeda Galaxy.
- Pressure fronts were observed in detail for the first time in Abell 2142, where clusters of galaxies are merging.
- The earliest images in X-rays of the shock wave of a supernova were taken of SN 1987A.
- Chandra showed for the first time the shadow of a small Perseus A.
- A new type of black hole was discovered in galaxy super massive black holes.[citation needed]
- X-ray Beethoven Burst GRB 991216.[citation needed]
- High school students, using Chandra data, discovered a neutron star in supernova remnant IC 443.[22]
- Observations by Chandra and star-forming regions.
- Chandra data suggested that 3C58, previously thought to be pulsars, might be even denser objects: quark stars. These results are still debated.
- Sound waves from violent activity around a super massive black hole were observed in the Perseus Cluster(2003).
- TWA 5B, a brown dwarf, was seen orbiting a binary system of Sun-like stars.
- Nearly all stars on the main sequence are X-ray emitters.[citation needed]
- The X-ray shadow of Titan was seen when it transited the Crab Nebula.
- X-ray emissions from materials falling from a protoplanetary disc into a star.[citation needed]
- Sunyaev-Zel'dovich effect.[23]
- 2006 Chandra found strong evidence that dark matter exists by observing super cluster collision.[24]
- 2006 X-ray emitting loops, rings and filaments discovered around a super massive black hole within Messier 87 imply the presence of pressure waves, shock waves and sound waves. The evolution of Messier 87 may have been dramatically affected.[25]
- Observations of the Bullet cluster put limits on the cross-section of the self-interaction of dark matter.[26]
- "The Hand of God" photograph of PSR B1509-58.
- Jupiter's x-rays coming from poles, not auroral ring.[27]
- A large halo of hot gas was found surrounding the Milky Way.[28]
- Extremely dense and luminous dwarf galaxy M60-UCD1 observed.[29]
- On January 5, 2015, NASA reported that CXO observed an magnetic field lines within gas flowing into Sagittarius A*, according to astronomers.[30]
- In September 2016, it was announced that Chandra had detected X-ray emissions from Pluto, the first detection of X-rays from a Kuiper belt object. Chandra had made the observations in 2014 and 2015, supporting the New Horizons spacecraft for its July 2015 encounter.[31]
- In September 2020, Chandra reportedly may have made an observation of an exoplanet in the Whirlpool Galaxy, which would be the first planet discovered beyond the Milky Way.[32][33][34]
- In April 2021, NASA announced findings from the observatory in a tweet saying "Uranus gives off X-rays, astronomers find". The discovery would have "intriguing implications for understanding Uranus" if it is confirmed that the X-rays originate from the planet and are not emitted by the Sun.[35]
Technical description
Unlike
Chandra's highly
With an
CXO uses mechanical gyroscopes,[38] which are sensors that help determine what direction the telescope is pointed.[39] Other navigation and orientation systems on board CXO include an aspect camera, Earth and Sun sensors, and reaction wheels. It also has two sets of thrusters, one for movement and another for offloading momentum.[39]
Instruments
The Science Instrument Module (SIM) holds the two focal plane instruments, the Advanced CCD Imaging Spectrometer (ACIS) and the High Resolution Camera (HRC), moving whichever is called for into position during an observation.
ACIS consists of 10
The transmission gratings, which swing into the optical path behind the mirrors, provide Chandra with high resolution spectroscopy. The High Energy Transmission Grating Spectrometer (HETGS) works over 0.4–10 keV and has a spectral resolution of 60–1000. The Low Energy Transmission Grating Spectrometer (LETGS) has a range of 0.09–3 keV and a resolution of 40–2000.
Summary:[40]
- High Resolution Camera (HRC)
- Advanced CCD Imaging Spectrometer (ACIS)
- High Energy Transmission Grating Spectrometer (HETGS)
- Low Energy Transmission Grating Spectrometer (LETGS)
Gallery
-
X-Rays of Pluto.
-
Jupiter in X-ray light.
-
Tycho Supernova remnant in X-ray light.
-
CXO orbit as of January 7, 2014.
-
M31 Core in X-ray light.
-
PSR B1509-58- red, green and blue/max energy.
-
Turbulence may prevent galaxy clusters from cooling.
-
SNR 0519–69.0 - remains of an exploding star in the Large Magellanic Cloud.
-
Images released to celebrate the International Year of Light 2015.
-
GK Persei: Nova of 1901.
-
X-ray light rings from a neutron star in Circinus X-1.
-
Cygnus X-1, first strong black hole discovered.
-
Image of the Chandra Deep Field South estimated by Kimberly Arcand as showing 5000 black holes
See also
- AGILE (satellite), an Italian orbital X-ray telescope
- Great Observatories program
- List of deep fields
- List of space telescopes
- List of X-ray space telescopes
- Lynx X-ray Observatory, possible successor
- NuSTAR
- Suzaku, a sister satellite originating from AXAF-S (spectrometer)
- X-ray astronomy
References
- ^ a b c d "Chandra X-ray Observatory Quick Facts". Marshall Space Flight Center. Archived from the original on February 12, 2022. Retrieved September 16, 2017.
- ^ a b c d e f "Chandra Specifications". NASA/Harvard. Retrieved September 3, 2015.
- ^ "International Flight No. 210: STS-93". Spacefacts.de. Retrieved April 29, 2018.
- ^ "Chandra X-Ray Observatory - Orbit". Heavens Above. September 3, 2015. Retrieved September 3, 2015.
- ^ "The Chandra X-ray Observatory: Overview". Chandra X-ray Center. Retrieved September 3, 2015.
- ISBN 978-0-19-960905-5.
- ^ a b "And the co-winners are..." Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian. 1998. Archived from the original on January 12, 2014. Retrieved January 12, 2014.
- ^ "Chandra X-ray Center". cxc.cfa.harvard.edu. Retrieved February 21, 2022.
- ^ a b Tucker, Wallace (October 31, 2013). "Tyrel Johnson & Jatila van der Veen - Winners of the Chandra-Naming Contest - Where Are They Now?". Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian. Retrieved January 12, 2014.
- ^ Campbell, Mike. "Meaning, origin and history of the name Chandra". Behind the Name. Retrieved July 12, 2022.
- ^ NASA. "Image: July 23, 1999, Chandra X-ray Observatory awaits deployment". phys.org. Retrieved February 21, 2022.
- ^ Drachlis, Dave (July 23, 1999). "Chandra X-ray Observatory Status Report: July 23, 1999 6:00 p.m. EDT". Marshall Space Flight Center Status Reports. NASA. Archived from the original on February 26, 2000. Retrieved September 9, 2018.
- ^ "Chandra's Mission Extended to 2009". Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian. September 28, 2001.
- S2CID 858689.
- ^ "CXO Long-term Schedule". cxc.harvard.edu. Retrieved February 21, 2022.
- ^ "International X-ray Observatory". NASA.gov. Archived from the original on March 3, 2008. Retrieved March 28, 2014.
- ^ Howell, Elizabeth (November 1, 2013). "X-ray Space Telescope of the Future Could Launch in 2028". Space.com. Retrieved January 1, 2014.
- ^ Kooser, Amanda (October 12, 2018). "Another NASA space telescope just went into safe mode". CNET. Retrieved October 14, 2018.
- ^ Dunbar, Brian, ed. (October 12, 2018). "Chandra Enters Safe Mode; Investigation Underway". NASA. Archived from the original on November 11, 2022. Retrieved October 14, 2018.
- Smithsonian.
- ^ Hall, Alan. "Chandra Sees Its 'First Light'". Scientific American. Retrieved September 27, 2023.
- ^ "Students Using NASA and NSF Data Make Stellar Discovery; Win Science Team Competition" (Press release). NASA. December 12, 2000. Release 00-195. Archived from the original on May 10, 2013. Retrieved April 15, 2013.
- S2CID 15723115.
- doi:10.1086/508162.
- ^ Roy, Steve; Watzke, Megan (October 2006). "Chandra Reviews Black Hole Musical: Epic But Off-Key" (Press release). Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian.
- .
- ^ "Puzzling X-rays from Jupiter". NASA.gov. March 7, 2002. Retrieved July 12, 2022.
- ^ Harrington, J. D.; Anderson, Janet; Edmonds, Peter (September 24, 2012). "NASA's Chandra Shows Milky Way is Surrounded by Halo of Hot Gas". NASA.gov.
- ^ "M60-UCD1: An Ultra-Compact Dwarf Galaxy". NASA.gov. September 24, 2013.
- ^ a b Chou, Felicia; Anderson, Janet; Watzke, Megan (January 5, 2015). "RELEASE 15-001 - NASA's Chandra Detects Record-Breaking Outburst from Milky Way's Black Hole". NASA. Retrieved January 6, 2015.
- ^ "X-Ray Detection Sheds New Light on Pluto". Applied Physics Laboratory. September 14, 2016. Archived from the original on October 17, 2016. Retrieved November 17, 2016.
- ^ Rincon, Paul (October 25, 2021). "Signs of first planet found outside our galaxy". BBC News. Archived from the original on October 25, 2021.
- ^ Crane, Leah (September 23, 2020). "Astronomers may have found the first planet in another galaxy". New Scientist. Retrieved September 25, 2020.
- arXiv:2009.08987 [astro-ph.HE].
- ^ Mohon, Lee (March 30, 2021). "First X-rays from Uranus Discovered". NASA. Archived from the original on July 25, 2022. Retrieved April 3, 2021.
- ^ Gaetz, T. J.; Jerius, Diab (January 28, 2005). "The HRMA User's Guide" (PDF). Chandra X-ray Center. Archived from the original (PDF) on February 10, 2006.
- ^ Gott, J. Richard; Juric, Mario (2006). "Logarithmic Map of the Universe". Princeton University.
- ^ "Technical Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)". James Webb Space Telescope. NASA. Retrieved December 14, 2016.
- ^ a b "Spacecraft: Motion, Heat, and Energy". Chandra X-ray Observatory. NASA. March 17, 2014. Retrieved December 14, 2016.
- ^ "Science Instruments". Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian. Retrieved November 17, 2016.
Further reading
- Griffiths, R. E.; Ptak, A.; Feigelson, E. D.; Garmire, G.; Townsley, L.; Brandt, W. N.; Sambruna, R.; Bregman, J. N. (2000). "Hot plasma and black hole binaries in starburst galaxy M82". PMID 11082054.
- Pavlov, G. G.; Zavlin, V. E.; Aschenbach, B.; Trumper, J.; Sanwal, D. (2000). "The Compact Central Object in Cassiopeia A: A Neutron Star with Hot Polar Caps or a Black Hole?". S2CID 16849221.
- Piro, L.; Garmire, G.; Garcia, M.; Stratta, G.; Costa, E.; Feroci, M.; Meszaros, P.; Vietri, M.; Bradt, H.; et al. (2000). "Observation of X-ray lines from a gamma-ray burst (GRB991216): evidence of moving ejecta from the progenitor". S2CID 35190896.
- Weisskopf, M. C.; Hester, J. J.; Tennant, A. F.; Elsner, R. F.; Schulz, N. S.; Marshall, H. L.; Karovska, M.; Nichols, J. S.; Swartz, D. A.; et al. (2000). "Discovery of Spatial and Spectral Structure in the X-Ray Emission from the Crab Nebula". S2CID 14879330.
- Baganoff, F. K.; Bautz, M. W.; Brandt, W. N.; Chartas, G.; Feigelson, E. D.; Garmire, G. P.; Maeda, Y.; Morris, M.; Ricker, G. R.; et al. (2001). "Rapid X-ray flaring from the direction of the supermassive black hole at the Galactic Centre". S2CID 2298716.
- Kastner, J. H.; Richmond, M.; Grosso, N.; Weintraub, D. A.; Simon, T.; Frank, A.; Hamaguchi, K.; Ozawa, H.; Henden, A. (2004). "An X-ray outburst from the rapidly accreting young star that illuminates McNeil's nebula". S2CID 1186552.
- Swartz, Douglas A.; Wolk, Scott J.; Fruscione, Antonella (April 20, 2010). "Chandra's first decade of discovery". Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America. 107 (16): 7127–7134. PMID 20406906.
External links
- Chandra X-ray Observatory at NASA.gov
- Chandra X-ray Observatory at Harvard.edu
- Chandra X-Ray Center (CXC) at Harvard.edu
- Chandra X-ray Observatory at YouTube
- Chandra podcast (2010) by Astronomy Cast