X-Ray Astronomy

A very energetic wavelength, or frequency, of light. X-rays are more energetic than ultraviolet light, but less energetic than gamma-ray. They range in wavelength from 10^-8 meters to 10^-12 meters, and in frequency from 10^17 to 10^20 Hz. X-rays can be quite harmful to life because they are strong enough to ionize atoms and thus destroy cells. The Earth's atmosphere shields us from all astronomical x-ray radiation. X-rays produced by people do have useful applications, however; for example, they are used to help identify broken bones and to treat certain types of cancer.

Featured Images

Simulation of a supermassive black hole disrupting a star
Messy Meal Friday, May 4, 2012
Combined X-ray, optical, and radio view of the galaxy Centaurus A
Busy Galaxy Sunday, April 29, 2012
Artist's concept of stars and a gas cloud near the Milky Way's central black hol
Snack Time Thursday, March 29, 2012
Optical and X-ray image of the galaxy cluster Abell 383
Brilliant Darkness Friday, March 16, 2012
Galactic Swirl Wednesday, December 14, 2011
NGC 3758, a system of two merging galaxies
Double Trouble Saturday, June 11, 2011
X-ray view of the Carina Nebula, a stellar nursery 7,500 light-years from Earth
Star Factory Thursday, May 26, 2011
X-ray and radio image of galaxy M87
Close to the Monster Thursday, March 10, 2011
Visible and X-ray image of a supernova remnant in the Large Magellanic Cloud
Holiday Decoration Thursday, December 16, 2010
A multi-spectral view of a supernova remnant in the Small Magellanic Cloud
Life from Death Friday, September 17, 2010
This giant cluster of galaxies and hot gas provides evidence of dark matter.
Cosmic Bullets Tuesday, July 20, 2010
The remains of a supernova explosion form complex loops and filaments in this co
Colorful Aftermath Thursday, May 27, 2010
A "family" of young stars shows off in this combined infrared and X-ray view of
Big Family Friday, May 14, 2010
Hotter Galaxy Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Radio Programs

Star in a Bottle Making a bottleful of starstuff Friday, April 13, 2012
Black Hole Bullets Bullets of hot gas from a black hole Wednesday, March 28, 2012
NuSTAR Dead stars tell some important tales Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Geminga Giving birth to a “dead” star Sunday, February 12, 2012
Milky Way’s Heart IV The flashy heart of the Milky Way Thursday, September 29, 2011
Too Close Getting too close to a black hole Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Brightest X-Ray Burst The brilliant death of a distant star Monday, June 20, 2011
Uhuru Opening a new view of the universe Saturday, December 11, 2010
Black Hole Flare-Up A black hole gets brighter Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Moon and Jupiter Lighting up alien skies Sunday, January 17, 2010
Speedy Star Speeding up a young star Sunday, October 18, 2009

FacebookTwitterYouTube

©1995-2012 The University of Texas McDonald Observatory