The Beautiful Universe: Chandra in HD

Latest Episodes:

Space Scoop: I Can See Your Halo Feb 03, 2014

Show notes

Light from the nearest star outside our solar system has to travel through empty black space for 4.2 years before it reaches our eyes.

Space Scoop: A Flare for the Dramatic Jan 27, 2014

Show notes

Magnetars are some of the most extreme objects known in the Universe. These stars were given their name because they are very strong magnets.

Tour of AM CVn Jan 13, 2014

Show notes

In the middle of the twentieth century, an unusual star was spotted in the constellation of Canes Venatici.

2013: A Year with the Chandra X-ray Observatory Jan 09, 2014

Show notes

The Chandra images included in this brief 2013 retrospective are drawn from dozens of images.

Space Scoop: The Big Explosion No One Saw Dec 19, 2013

Show notes

About once or twice every 100 years, a gigantic nuclear bomb detonates in our Galaxy.

Space Scoop: Beautiful But Deadly Dec 13, 2013

Show notes

It seems that there is a twist in nature: the more beautiful something is, the more deadly it also might be.

Space Scoop: The Mysterious Afterlife of Stellar Giants Dec 10, 2013

Show notes

Neutron stars are the ultra-dense cores left behind after a massive star reaches the end of its life and explodes.

Sgr A jet in 60 Seconds Dec 05, 2013

Show notes

Jets of high-energy particles are found throughout the Universe on large and small scales.

Smithsonian X 3D Explorer Nov 26, 2013

Show notes

One of the most famous objects in the sky - the Cassiopeia A supernova remnant - is now on display like never before.

Space Scoop: A Study in Supernovas Nov 22, 2013

Show notes

Astronomers have to be good at solving puzzles by piecing together clues and evidence.