Chandra 101:
Overview for Teachers and Students

A Look at Chandra

1. The Mirrors
   The Chandra telescope system consists of four pairs of mirrors and their support structure. The mirrors have to be exquisitely shaped and aligned nearly parallel to incoming x-rays. Thus they look more like nested glass barrels than the familiar dish shape of optical telescopes. More Information
   
   
2. The Science Instruments
   The function of the science instruments is to record as accurately as possible the number, position and energy of the incoming x-rays. This information can be used to make an X-ray image and study other properties of the source, such as its temperature. More Information
   
   
3. The Spacecraft
   The spacecraft system provides the support structure and environment necessary for the telescope and the science instruments to work as an observatory. Parts of the system include solar panels to supply the instruments with power, a thermal system to control the temperature of the telescope, and a communications system to relay data to astronomers on Earth. More Information
   
   
   • Chandra Interactive Feature (requires flash)