Unveiling Cosmic Spectacles: NASA’s Mesmerizing Nebula Time lapses from Chandra Observatory

In a mesmerizing display of celestial beauty, NASA has unveiled two breathtaking timelapse videos, condensing 20 years of cosmic evolution into just 20 seconds.
These timelapses feature Cassiopeia A and the Crab Nebula, remnants of massive stars that met their explosive fate in our galaxy.
NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory captured these captivating scenes, prompting the space agency to playfully suggest, “Grab your popcorn,” as they shared the videos on social media.
The Crab Nebula originated from a supernova observed by Chinese astronomers nearly a millennium ago in 1054. At its core lies a neutron star, rotating approximately 30 times per second, emitting radiation akin to a cosmic lighthouse.
Chandra has meticulously monitored these celestial phenomena from 2000 to 2022, with ongoing observations slated to continue later this year.
Meanwhile, Cassiopeia A, a younger supernova remnant, exploded approximately 340 years ago. Chandra’s continuous observations from 2000 to 2019 have provided invaluable insights into the formation of neutron stars or pulsars following stellar explosions.
Despite Chandra’s groundbreaking discoveries and contributions to our understanding of the cosmos, the observatory faces uncertainty as funding challenges loom. X-ray astronomers in the U.S. are pushing back against proposed pay cuts, arguing that such measures could jeopardize the future of the mission.
While NASA acknowledges the degradation of Chandra’s systems over time, researchers assert that the observatory still has much to offer and remains a vital tool for unraveling the mysteries of the universe.”

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