On July 23, 1999, the Space Shuttle Columbia launched NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory into an orbit that takes it about a third of the way to the moon. Since then, Chandra—operated for NASA by the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory—has sent back to Earth images of the spectacular, glowing remains of exploded stars, found black holes across the universe, and contributed to the study of both dark matter and dark energy.

A panel of experts from the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory and Northrop Grumman takes you behind the scenes at the observatory to see how engineers operate one of the most powerful space telescopes ever built. Learn how X-ray astronomy reveals an otherwise invisible, high-energy universe and why Chandra remains essential.

The panel also delves into the origins of X-ray astronomy in the United States, tracing its roots to pioneering rocket experiments in the 1960s and the Nobel Prize–winning discovery of cosmic X-ray sources by astrophysicist Riccardo Giacconi, who spent many years at Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory. That spirit of innovation launched a new branch of astronomy and helped establish U.S. leadership in high-energy astrophysics. 

Panelists:

• Rodolfo Montez Jr., astrophysicist, Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory
• Scott Wolk, senior astrophysicist and flight director, Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory
• Julia Zachary, Chandra Flight Mission planning lead, Northrop Grumman

Moderator:

• Kimberly Arcand, Chandra visualization scientist and communications lead, Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory

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