Chandra X-ray Observatory Expands Catalog to 1.3 Million Detections

The Chandra X-ray Observatory has significantly expanded its catalog, now featuring over 1.3 million individual X-ray detections across the sky. The latest update, known as the Chandra Source Catalog (CSC) 2.1, includes data collected until the end of 2020, making it a crucial resource for astronomers worldwide.

As part of NASA’s esteemed “Great Observatories,” Chandra has amassed a wealth of data since its launch. This comprehensive catalog consists of more than 400,000 unique sources, both compact and extended, providing detailed insights into the cosmos. The CSC offers precise positional data and information on the X-ray energies detected, allowing scientists to integrate this information with observations from other telescopes, including the James Webb and Hubble Space Telescopes.

Rich Insights from the Galactic Center

A striking illustration of the catalog’s value is a new image of the Galactic Center, where the supermassive black hole Sagittarius A* resides. This image captures over 3,300 individual X-ray sources within a region spanning just 60 light-years, showcasing the depth of Chandra’s observations. The image results from 86 observations, totaling over three million seconds of observing time.

In addition to visual representations, a recently released sonification translates Chandra’s astronomical data into sound. This innovative approach encompasses 22 years of observations, from the observatory’s launch through 2021. The sonification illustrates repeat sightings of X-ray sources, using different notes to represent the frequency of detections at various locations in the sky.

Accessible Data for Future Research

The new map represents the Milky Way with the Galactic plane prominently displayed, while each detection is marked with a circle. The size of each circle corresponds to the number of detections in that area over time. A year counter appears at the top, indicating ongoing observations, with the text changing to “… and beyond” after 2021 as Chandra remains operational.

Chandra’s catalog serves as a resource for scientists and researchers seeking to explore the universe’s complexities. The latest version of the Chandra Source Catalog can be accessed at the official Chandra X-ray Center website.

The ongoing contributions of the Chandra X-ray Observatory enhance our understanding of cosmic phenomena, providing invaluable data for future astronomical research and collaboration across various observatories.