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 at the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory and the Director of NASA's Chandra X-ray Center; his research concentrates on the aftermath of massive stellar explosions.
• Dr. Kimberly Arcand is a visualization scientist and 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.

Following the program, Eileen Collins and Cady Coleman will be signing copies of their books, available for purchase in the Museum store.

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 in person and live captioning and ASL interpretation will be available on YouTube. The ASL interpretation will be available on a second stream that can be accessed from the Museum's YouTube channel. If you require another access service to fully participate or have any questions about accessibility, please contact NASMPublicLectures@si.edu. To ensure the best experience, please try to contact us at your earliest convenience.