CfA Celebrates Chandra’s 25th Anniversary

Twenty-five years ago, the Space Shuttle Columbia launched into space carrying the Chandra X-ray Observatory. Press releases from the Chandra X-ray Center, CfA, and Smithsonian shared 25 new images with Chandra data to publicize this momentous milestone. A dedicated webpage to Chandra’s 25th birthday, plus the new images and press release, can be found at https://chandra.si.edu/25th/

On July 22nd, the Chandra Operations Control Center in Burlington, Mass., held an event to mark the occasion for Chandra staff as well as family and friends. Speakers included Chandra Director Pat Slane, CfA Director Lisa Kewley, and Kevin Hix from MSFC. There was also a special visit from astronaut Cady Coleman, mission specialist on STS-93, who gave a talk and signed autographs.

Attendees participated in the cutting of Chandra cakes and were treated to a host of new products including the new 25th Chandra poster and handouts, plus 3D prints, sonifications, videos, thermal cards, coloring books and pages, women in STEM posters and more. There were also activities for kids and kids of all ages such as paper circuits, origami stars, a micro-macro activity and “pin the Chandra on the orbit”. A great event all around!

Photos courtesy of NASA/CXC/SAO/S.Wolk, J. Araujo

-Megan Watzke, CXC