Celebrate the 25th anniversary of NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory with us
Celebrate the
25th anniversary of
NASA’s Chandra
X-ray Observatory with us
The Chandra X-ray Observatory is unlike any other telescope. Since its launch into space on July 23, 1999, Chandra has been NASA’s flagship mission for X-ray astronomy in the fleet of “Great Observatories.”
Chandra discovers exotic new phenomena and examines old mysteries, looking at objects within our own Solar System out to nearly the edge of the observable Universe.
Chandra makes significant discoveries on its own, but also in concert with other telescopes and instruments in the quest to understand the Universe.
Chandra’s imaging capabilities and observing efficiency still exceed pre-launch requirements after 25 years of operations. The observatory is capable of many more years of operation and scientific discovery. Many current themes in astrophysics, along with new NASA facilities to address these, rely on unique information from Chandra.
Chandra is capable of discoveries that no other telescopes can make.
Chandra sees X-rays, a critical and unique window into the hottest and most energetic places in the Universe.
Chandra has sharper X-ray vision than any other X-ray telescope — current or planned for
decades to come.
We are on the precipice of so many discoveries. What wonders will come next?
Combining Chandra’s X-ray data with data from other telescopes makes otherwise impossible discoveries possible.
By keeping its X-ray eyes on targets for decades, Chandra watches as objects in space change on human timescales.
Chandra sees across almost the entire observable universe, from Earth’s auroras to black holes 13 billion light-years away.
Chandra science is extremely popular with public audiences, generating thousands of articles in popular media and millions of hits on social media every year.
Chandra studies the most important topics in astrophysics – from exoplanets to dark matter and dark energy.
Chandra is at the forefront of making science data accessible in innovative ways, from 3D printing to sonifications and other ground-breaking projects.
Chandra can measure the temperatures and densities of gas that has been super-heated by stellar explosions or by falling onto black holes.
NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory is all about discovery, wonder, opportunity, and access.
Join us in celebrating this amazing telescope over its first quarter century of exploring the Universe and visit Chandra X-ray Center's calendar of events to learn about ways to celebrate with us! (New materials & events will be added to the 25th anniversary page and the CXC calendar throughout the year.)
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