To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the launch of the Chandra X-ray Observatory, the mission released 25 views of cosmic objects, from supernova remnants to galaxy clusters, and more.
NASA/SAO/CXC
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NASA/SAO/CXC
The most powerful X-ray telescope ever built has reached a milestone 25 years in space — but back on Earth, astronomers worry its future is uncertain.
Supporters of the Chandra X-ray Observatory say the school bus-sized instrument is still working well and could continue doing science for another decade, but NASA recently announced a plan to cut funding and end the mission effectively.
Head of the astrophysicist agency, Mark ClampHave speak that officials are facing a difficult budget situation and must make difficult choices to free up money for future telescope development, such as one will search for planets capable of supporting life.
The Chandra X-ray Observatory before being launched into orbit by NASA’s space shuttle in 1999.
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
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National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
But many astronomers cannot fathom the shutdown of Chandra, a unique instrument that is currently being used in tandem with the Hubble Space Telescope and the James Webb Space Telescope to make important discoveries.
“Chandra recently teamed up with the James Webb telescope to discover this supermassive black hole at the edge of the universe. It is earliest black holethe most distant black hole ever discovered,” he said. David Pooley of Trinity College, an astronomer who has used Chandra since it was launched into orbit on the space shuttle in 1999.
X-rays provide a way to study some of the most exotic phenomena in the universe, as they are created during extreme cosmic events that heat matter to millions of degrees. They can only be observed from space, rather than with ground-based telescopes, because the incoming X-rays are absorbed by Earth’s atmosphere.
Pooley said there is no telescope like Chandra and losing it would be a devastating loss.
“Its ability to detect distant objects is unmatched by any other X-ray telescope that has ever been built or will ever be built and operated—for at least another decade, perhaps two,” Pooley said. “Shutting down this great observatory for a relatively small cost savings would severely damage the United States’ leadership in this entire field.”
Artist’s rendering of the Chandra X-ray Observatory in space.
NASA/CXC and J. Vaughan
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NASA/CXC and J. Vaughan
NASA’s budget cuts will soon require laying off most of the telescope’s operations staff, meaning dozens of astronomers will have to find work, according to a source. campaign has had the intention of reversing the decision.
According to astronomer Grant TremblayThe layoffs are expected to be announced in August and employees will be let go in October.
“Most of them have families, kids in school, roots in the ground, so a large number will be forced to leave astronomy,” he said. noted in a post on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter.
Pooley said everyone understands the budget constraints, but he just doesn’t agree with cutting a productive workhorse that’s already in the space in favor of “something that’s going to be in place for the next 20 years. I don’t think that’s a very efficient use of taxpayer money.”
Chandra experts like Paul Levitt took to social media to express their displeasure.
Scientists have also called on members of Congress like Seth Moultona Democratic U.S. representative from Massachusetts, where the telescope’s operations center is located.
“I’m listening to over 700 astronomers who signed a letter saying, ‘This work is important. It needs to continue,'” Moulton told NPR. “I really think we in Congress have to try to find the money to make sure it gets done.”
Meanwhile, on Tuesday meeting The agency’s astrophysics advisory committee will discuss Chandra’s future. Part of that discussion will cover the results of a review NASA initiated to see how well the telescope, like the aging Hubble, can operate on a tight budget.
“NASA will share its decision, taking into account the findings of the review, at a virtual town hall in the coming weeks,” a NASA spokesperson told NPR via email.
