Astronomers have used data from NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory to observe a supermassive black hole’s ongoing meal, a star being gradually consumed. This discovery provides crucial insights into the feeding habits of black holes and the dynamics of such celestial events.
NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory continues to amaze with breathtaking images of the universe. From the iconic ‘Bat Shadow’ to the Pillars of Creation, these images reveal the beauty and complexity of celestial objects.
The Crab Nebula, a cosmic remnant of a supernova explosion that occurred in 1054 AD, continues to evolve before our very eyes. Thanks to the combined data from both the Hubble Space Telescope and the Chandra X-ray Observatory, astronomers have captured new insights into the dense neutron star at the nebula’s center, a celestial lighthouse known as a pulsar. Over time, the pulsar’s energy has unleashed a shockwave that is now plowing through the surrounding nebula, creating a mesmerizing ring-like structure. The latest data from Chandra also unveils the pulsar’s dynamic X-ray jet, which exhibits a whip-like movement. This fascinating cosmic dance is providing scientists with valuable clues about the evolution of neutron stars and the aftermath of supernovae.
