Science

Chandra X-ray Observatory

Catalogued as CXO

X-ray Observatory · NASA

Chandra sees the universe in X-rays — radiation so energetic it passes straight through most telescope mirrors. To catch it, Chandra uses mirrors angled at less than 1 degree, directing X-rays to a detector like a grazing stone on water. Since 1999 it has imaged black holes devouring matter, mapped the shockwaves of exploding stars, and discovered X-ray emissions from comets. Its orbit carries it one-third of the way to the Moon.