From Chandra to XRISM: Nasa's historic telescopes that helped unlock mysteries of universe

Nasa recently celebrated the milestones achieved this year in X-ray astronomy, by looking back at some of the historic telescopes that helped them explore the "high energy universe". (Photo: Nasa JPL)

In 1970, NASA launched its first Earth-orbiting satellite solely dedicated to the study of cosmic X-ray sources.

This pioneering spacecraft was named Uhuru, a Swahili word meaning "freedom" by Marjorie Townsend.

In the throwback image, Townsend can be seen with Bruno Rossi meticulously conducting checks to ensure the satellite's readiness for its cosmic journey. Their expertise were instrumental in the success of this remarkable endeavor, which marked a significant milestone in the field of X-ray astronomy.

Uhura's success served to be the starting point for further telescopic studies. (Photo: Nasa)

The Einstein Observatory, which began its mission in 1978, revolutionized Nasa's perception of the X-ray universe. As the first space telescope with the ability to produce images of cosmic X-ray sources, it significantly contributed to the knowledge of various astronomical phenomena.

Through its observations, the Einstein Observatory provided valuable insights into supermassive black holes, the powerful explosions known as supernovae, and the enigmatic substance called dark matter. (Photo: Nasa)

The Chandra X-ray Observatory, a member of Nasa's "Great Observatories" program, works in conjunction with the Hubble Space Telescope, the Spitzer Space Telescope, and the no longer operational Compton Gamma Ray Observatory. This observatory enables researchers worldwide to capture X-ray images of cosmic phenomena.

These images taken with this telescope provide valuable insights into the composition and development of the universe, aiding scientists in their quest to comprehend its fundamental nature. By studying the data collected by Chandra, astronomers can delve deeper into the mysteries of celestial bodies and the processes that shape them. (Photo: Nasa)

Nasa's Swift observatory, satellite launched in 2004, dedicated to investigating the cosmos, focuses on analyzing gamma-ray bursts - the most intense explosions known to occur in the universe. These bursts, along with various other astronomical phenomena and objects, are the primary targets of Swift's scientific endeavors. The observatory is equipped with a trio of telescopes capable of detecting and measuring radiation across multiple wavelengths, including visible, ultraviolet, X-ray, and gamma-ray light.

Launched in 2012, NuSTAR became the space space telescope capable of concentrating high-energy X-rays. Shortly after its launch, NuSTAR extended a distinctive 10-meter-long mast, which provided the ideal separation between its reflective optics and detectors, enabling the focusing of X-rays. (Photo: Nasa)

The Neutron star Interior Composition Explorer (NICER) instrument, mounted on the International Space Station (ISS), has been a valuable asset for Nasa in their research on neutron stars. These extremely dense celestial bodies are formed when massive stars collapse and explode in a supernova event. Since its installation in 2017, NICER has consistently provided the space agency with fascinating insights and unexpected discoveries about these enigmatic objects. (Photo: Nasa)

Launched in 2021, IXPE became valuable for Nasa, marking a significant milestone as the inaugural telescope solely focused on gauging X-ray polarisation. This characteristic provides Nasa with valuable insights into the behavior of light waves, specifically their wiggling motion. By studying this property, the telescope enables the discovery of phenomena that would otherwise remain hidden from human perception. (Photo: Nasa)

In September 2023, JAXA, the Japanese space agency, in partnership with Nasa launched their latest space telescope, XRISM, equipped with state-of-the-art X-ray observational capabilities.

XRISM's primary objectives include studying the formation and evolution of the universe's largest structures, examining the behavior of matter under extreme gravitational conditions, and unraveling the mechanisms behind high-energy particle jets. "The mission will investigate big cosmic questions like how the largest structures in the universe came to be, what happens to matter under extreme gravitational force, and how high-energy particle jets work." (Photo: JAXA)