Here is the latest iteration of one of my favorite space subjects: The Cat's Eye Nebula. This is a composite image taken from the Hubble Space Telescope and the Chandra X-Ray telescope and it was just released a day or so ago. Here is what it looks like much larger than I can upload to blogger. I have been lucky enough to work with the Chandra project from the time it was launched and the first images were downloaded 'til now. Marshall Space Flight Center, where I work, has its own Chandra web site, but I usually prefer to work with the Harvard University site.
Keep in mind that this is a composite image and is not representative as to what the telescopes actually see. The colors and densities are added and determined by mission scientists who analyze chemical and physical data gathered by the instruments on the telescope.
As an interesting aside, when the first images came down from Chandra they were processed by the Jet Propulsion Lab in California, and my contact there who actually did the work was from Myrtle Beach!
Also, next week should provide a couple of good viewing opportunities for viewing the International Space Station from the Camden area as it flies by almost directly overhead. I'll post the information over the weekend as well as a link where others in other states and countries can find viewing schedules.
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