Seeing in X-Ray Vision

On July 23, 1999, NASA launched the Chandra X-ray Observatory into space aboard Space Shuttle Columbia. Since then, astronomers have pulled from Chandra’s data to create incredibly detailed images of some of the universe’s most dramatic events, from supernova explosions to black hole jets. This summer marks the 25th anniversary of a telescope that has given astronomers unprecedented views of the universe in x-rays.

Join us to hear from astronauts who deployed the Chandra X-ray Observatory during the STS-93 mission as well as scientists from the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory who analyze the important data sent back to us here on Earth.

Panelists: Commander Eileen Collins is an astronaut and US Air Force pilot who was the first woman to pilot a Space Shuttle and became the first woman to command a Shuttle mission on STS-93. Dr. Cady Coleman is an astronaut, chemist, and engineer who served as a mission specialist on STS-93. Dr. Patrick Slane is a senior astrophysicist and the director of the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory’s Chandra X-ray Center with a concentration on the aftermath of massive stellar explosions. Dr. Kimberly Arcand is a visualization scientist  emerging technology lead for the Chandra X-ray Observatory who is a leading expert in studying the perception and comprehension of high-energy data visualization.

The panel will be moderated by Dr. Ellen Stofan, Under Secretary for Science and Research at the Smithsonian.

This program will be presented in-person at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Virginia and will be streamed live on YouTube. Registration is required for in person attendance and encouraged for online viewing.

ASL Interpretation will be provided and live captioning on YouTube. If you require another access service to fully participate or have any questions about accessibility, please contact [email protected]. To ensure the best experience, please try to contact us at your earliest convenience. 

Sponsored by Boeing.