Composite Crab Nebula image. (Photo: Chandra, NASA, ESA, CXC, SAO, J. Schmidt, K. Arcand, L. Frattare)
NASA launched the Chandra X-ray Observatory in 1999 to capture photos of high-energy regions of the universe, including exploding stars and other celestial marvels. To celebrate the 25th anniversary of its launch, NASA just released 25 never-before-seen photographs captured by Chandra, which show dazzling scenes from some of the furthest reaches of space.
“For a quarter century, Chandra has made discovery after amazing discovery,” shares Pat Slane, director of the Chandra X-ray Center located at the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory in Cambridge, Massachusetts. “Astronomers have used Chandra to investigate mysteries that we didn’t even know about when we were building the telescope—including exoplanets and dark energy.”
Under Chandra's X-ray and infrared cameras, spacial anomalies can be illuminated in glorious shades of red, blue, and purple. The space telescope is particularly good at capturing images of young stars and remnants of supernovas, as both of these phenomena produce large amounts of X-rays. This has made for some truly incredible photographs of huge stars at the start or end of their lives and has provided scientists with valuable information about some of the youngest stars in our vicinity.
The photo gallery features iconic sights from space, including the Pillars of Creation, as well as locations in our very own Milky Way. One of the images prominently features the Cat's Paw Nebula, where red and purple clouds envelop stars that are actively being created in our galaxy. It also captured an impressive picture of Jupiter, photographed from a distance with its aurora highlighted in vivid purple around the north and south poles of the planet.
Another fascinating phenomenon captured by Chandra is the Crab Nebula, which features a blindingly white pulsar star surrounded by a bright purple cloud. The supernova explosion that formed the nebula was witnessed in 1054 A.D. by astronomers who documented the event. Now, thanks to Chandra, nearly a thousand years later inquisitive minds are able to see the remains of that event.
You can visit the photo gallery to view all of the images and scroll down to see some of our favorites. For the most stunning photographs, be sure to check out the composites, where X-ray and infrared images have been layered on top of one another for the most impressive displays of light and color.
In honor of the Chandra X-ray Observatory's 25th launch anniversary, NASA released 25 never-seen photographs taken by the space telescope.
Here are some of our favorite photographs from the exceptional collection of images.
Composite NGC 1365 image. (Photo: Chandra, NASA, ESA, CXC, SAO, L. Frattare, J. Major)
Composite NGC 3324 image. (Photo: Chandra, NASA, ESA, CXC, SAO, N. Wolk)
Composite Bat Shadow image. (Photo: Chandra, NASA, ESA, CXC, SAO, J. Schmidt, K. Arcand, L. Frattare)
Composite Cat's Paw Nebula image. (Photo: Chandra, NASA, ESA, CXC, SAO, J. Major)
Composite NGC 3532 image. (Photo: Chandra, NASA, ESA, CXC, SAO, J. Major)
Composite MSH 15-52 image. (Photo: Chandra, NASA, ESA, CXC, SAO, J. Schmidt)
It features iconic sights from around our universe and solar system.
Composite Pillars of Creation image. (Photo: Chandra, NASA, ESA, CXC, SAO, L. Frattare)
Composite Cassiopeia A image. (Photo: Chandra, NASA, ESA, CXC, SAO, J. Schmidt, K. Arcand, J. Major)
Composite Jupiter image. (Photo: Chandra, NASA, ESA, CXC, SAO, J. Major, S. Wolk)
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