Chandra X-ray Image of NGC 4261
The Chandra image of the elliptical galaxy NGC 4261 reveals dozens of black holes and neutron stars strung out across tens of thousands of light years like beads on a necklace. The spectacular structure, which is not apparent from the optical image of the galaxy, is thought to be the remains of a collision between galaxies a few billion years ago.
Scale: Image is 237 x 290 arcsec
(Credit: NASA/CXC/A. Zezas et al.)

DSS Optical Image of NGC 4261
This image from the Digitized Sky Survey (DSS) shows the elliptical galaxy NGC 4261 in visible light. The field of view is the same as the Chandra image.
Scale: Image is 237 x 290 arcsec
(Credit: Pal.Obs. DSS)

Chandra X-ray with HST Optical Inset
Chandra's image of NGC 4261 reveals dozens of black holes and neutron stars strung out across tens of thousands of light years like beads on a necklace. This optical image (inset), taken by Hubble's WFPC2 on December 12, 1994, gives a detailed view of the inner-most parts of the galaxy.
Scale: Inset is 36 arcsec per side
(Credit: X-ray: NASA/CXC/A. Zezas et al.; Optical: NASA/STScI)

2MASS Infrared Image of NGC 4261
This image shows the elliptical galaxy NGC 4261 in infrared light as observed by the 2 Micron All-Sky Survey (2MASS). The field of view is the same as the Chandra image.
Scale: Image is 237 x 290 arcsec
(Credit: IPAC/JPL/Caltech)

Chandra X-ray & Optical Image with Scale Bar
Scale bar = 60 arcsec
Credit: X-ray: NASA/CXC/A. Zezas et al.; Optical: Pal.Obs. DSS