Chandra X-ray Observatory marks 20th anniversary with new astro images
NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory has been observing the cosmos for 20 years. To mark the occasion, astronomers have released some of the most beautiful astro images captured by the telescope yet.
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NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory was launched into space on 23 July 1999 on board Space Shuttle Columbia. Over the past two decades it has given us unprecedented views of nebulae, galaxies and other cosmic phenomena, revealing the secrets of the Universe to astronomers.
Observing the cosmos in X-ray light enables Chandra to see objects and phenomena that would otherwise be obscured from view, enabling discoveries pertaining to the past, present and future of the Universe.
To celebrate its 20th anniversary, the Chandra team has released a collection of new images captured by the telescope, demonstrating its ability to produce beautiful but also scientifically-important observations.
Authors
Iain Todd is BBC Sky at Night Magazine's Staff Writer. He fell in love with the night sky when he caught his first glimpse of Orion, aged 10.
