NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory supplies a brand new have a look at the Andromeda galaxy on this multi-wavelength picture that features X-ray, ultraviolet, optical, infrared, and radio photos and illustrates the “collaboration of sunshine” throughout the spectrum. The construction and future destiny of the Milky Manner are modelled with the assistance of Andromeda, which is 2.5 million mild years away. This mixed picture not solely exhibits high-energy radiation from a supermassive black gap but additionally supplies a transparent view of the arms and core of M31 in outstanding element. The sunshine is remodeled right into a sound with a sonification video, bringing one other stage of sensation.
Chandra X-ray Information Reveals Black Gap Flares and Darkish Matter Legacy in New View of Andromeda
As per NASA’s Chandra team, the X-ray observations — alongside knowledge from ESA’s XMM-Newton, NASA’s GALEX and Spitzer, Planck, IRAS, COBE, Herschel, and extra — reveal distinct galactic options. Notably, a flare detected in 2013 from Andromeda’s supermassive black gap confirmed enhanced X-ray emission. The info additionally honours astronomer Vera Rubin, whose M31 rotation studies led to the primary convincing proof for darkish matter. Rubin is now commemorated on a 2025 U.S. quarter.
Among the many launch options is a signature sonification, with completely different classes of sunshine — X-ray, ultraviolet, optical, infrared, and radio — translated into sound tones. Quantity is managed by brightness, pitch by frequency place. The result’s a sound map of the galaxy’s inner construction.
The Chandra programme for NASA’s Science Mission Directorate in Washington is managed by NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Centre in Huntsville, Alabama. Chandra’s overseer is the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
With this up to date M31 panorama in hand, astronomers are in for an attractive sight, however the broader inhabitants can be handled to a sight and sound expertise that transports us to our Milky Manner’s closest galactic neighbour.