Cosmic Journey II: Voyage into the Abyss
Black holes. What are they good for? Absolutely something!
This time on Sidedoor, hitch a ride on the Chandra X-ray Observatory as it scours deep space in search of these enigmatic and misunderstood objects. We’ll find out how observational data from telescopes like Chandra are being used to create visual and sonic experiences that can help us make sense of black holes and the role they play in our universe.
Speakers
- Kim Arcand – Visualization Scientist and Emerging Tech Lead for NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory at the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory
- Daryl Haggard – Professor of physics at McGill University in the Trottier Space Institute
- Priyamvada Natarajan – Astrophysicist and professor at Yale University
Listen now
Links & Extras
- Get an overview on black hole basics—including the largest, farthest, closest and smallest—in a primer from NASA.
- What would spaghettification look like? Watch simulations of what happens when a star gets too close to a black hole.
- NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory was launched 25 years ago this July. Learn how the telescope is used to provide groundbreaking data on astronomical objects with guidance from the Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian.
- Listen to the sounds of our Milky Way galaxy and the greater universe with 28 unique Chandra sonifications.
- Feast your eyes on stunning Chandra images of nebulas, supernovae, supermassive black holes, and more from Smithsonian magazine.
- Take the whole family on a Cosmic Journey this summer with events and virtual resources from across the Smithsonian! Explore kid-friendly projects with the Wonder and Awe activity guide, create out-of-this-world stories and posts with Chandra Instagram Experiences, and get answers to some of your biggest questions about the universe.
This episode was the second in a two-part journey. Hear all about the research and rivalry that launched our modern understanding of black holes in Cosmic Journey I: “Stellar Buffoonery” by visiting si.edu/sidedoor or subscribing on your podcast platform of choice.
Transcript
Sidedoor (S10E20) – Chandra Part 2 final web transcript
Posted: 13 June 2024
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Categories:
Astrophysical Observatory , Collaboration , Feature Stories , Science and Nature