Featured Resources
Classroom-Ready Activities
Science Olympiad Webinar
Science Olympiad JS9 Guide
Space Math @ NASA
NSO Tests 2024
- GGSO Invitational
- NY RFTS Regional
- BirdSO Invitational
- DSM Astro Invitational
- UTexas Astro Invitational
- UTexas RFTS Invitational
Informal Education
Background
Interactive Games
Space Scoop
STOP for Science
Chandra Podcasts
Printable Materials
Resource Request
Educators' Comments
Evaluation Form
Links & Resources
Education Collaborations
Passport to Knowledge
Space Place
Web Shortcuts
Chandra Blog
RSS Feed
Chronicle
Email Newsletter
News & Noteworthy
Image Use Policy
Questions & Answers
Glossary of Terms
Download Guide
Get Adobe Reader
Chandra 101: Overview for Teachers and Students
Page: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
A Look at X-Rays

What are the parts that make up Chandra?
  1. The Mirrors
    The Chandra telescope system consists of four pairs of mirrors and their support structure. The mirrors have to be exquisitely shaped and aligned nearly parallel to incoming x-rays. Thus they look more like nested glass barrels than the familiar dish shape of optical telescopes. More Information

  2. The Science Instruments
    The function of the science instruments is to record as accurately as possible the number, position and energy of the incoming x-rays. This information can be used to make an X-ray image and study other properties of the source, such as its temperature. More Information

  3. The Spacecraft
    The spacecraft system provides the support structure and environment necessary for the telescope and the science instruments to work as an observatory. Parts of the system include solar panels to supply the instruments with power, a thermal system to control the temperature of the telescope, and a communications system to relay data to astronomers on Earth. More Information