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By NASA
5 min read
Preparations for Next Moonwalk Simulations Underway (and Underwater)
Sonifications of three images have been released to mark the 25th anniversary of Chandra’s “First Light” image. For Cassiopeia A, which was one of the first objects observed by Chandra, X-ray data from Chandra and infrared data from Webb have been translated into sounds, along with some Hubble data. The second image in the sonification trio, 30 Doradus, also contains Chandra and Webb data. NGC 6872 contains data from Chandra as well as an optical image from Hubble. Each of these datasets have been mapped to notes and sounds based on properties observed by these telescopes.NASA/CXC/SAO/K.Arcand, SYSTEM Sounds (M. Russo, A. Santaguida) A quarter of a century ago, NASA released the “first light” images from the agency’s Chandra X-ray Observatory. This introduction to the world of Chandra’s high-resolution X-ray imaging capabilities included an unprecedented view of Cassiopeia A, the remains of an exploded star located about 11,000 light-years from Earth. Over the years, Chandra’s views of Cassiopeia A have become some of the telescope’s best-known images.
To mark the anniversary of this milestone, new sonifications of three images – including Cassiopeia A (Cas A) – are being released. Sonification is a process that translates astronomical data into sound, similar to how digital data are more routinely turned into images. This translation process preserves the science of the data from its original digital state but provides an alternative pathway to experiencing the data.
This sonification of Cas A features data from Chandra as well as NASA’s James Webb, Hubble, and retired Spitzer space telescopes. The scan starts at the neutron star at the center of the remnant, marked by a triangle sound, and moves outward. Astronomers first saw this neutron star when Chandra’s inaugural observations were released 25 years ago this week. Chandra’s X-rays also reveal debris from the exploded star that is expanding outward into space. The brighter parts of the image are conveyed through louder volume and higher pitched sounds. X-ray data from Chandra are mapped to modified piano sounds, while infrared data from Webb and Spitzer, which detect warmed dust embedded in the hot gas, have been assigned to various string and brass instruments. Stars that Hubble detects are played with crotales, or small cymbals.
Another new sonification features the spectacular cosmic vista of 30 Doradus, one of the largest and brightest regions of star formation close to the Milky Way. This sonification again combines X-rays from Chandra with infrared data from Webb. As the scan moves from left to right across the image, the volume heard again corresponds to the brightness seen. Light toward the top of the image is mapped to higher pitched notes. X-rays from Chandra, which reveal gas that has been superheated by shock waves generated by the winds from massive stars, are heard as airy synthesizer sounds. Meanwhile, Webb’s infrared data show cooler gas that provides the raw ingredients for future stars. These data are mapped to a range of sounds including soft, low musical pitches (red regions), a wind-like sound (white regions), piano-like synthesizer notes indicating very bright stars, and a rain-stick sound for stars in a central cluster.
The final member of this new sonification triumvirate is NGC 6872, a large spiral galaxy that has two elongated arms stretching to the upper right and lower left, which is seen in an optical light view from Hubble. Just to the upper left of NGC 6872 appears another smaller spiral galaxy. These two galaxies, each of which likely has a supermassive black hole at the center, are being drawn toward one another. As the scan sweeps clockwise from 12 o’clock, the brightness controls the volume and light farther from the center of the image is mapped to higher-pitched notes. Chandra’s X-rays, represented in sound by a wind-like sound, show multimillion-degree gas that permeates the galaxies. Compact X-ray sources from background galaxies create bird-like chirps. In the Hubble data, the core of NGC 6872 is heard as a dark low drone, and the blue spiral arms (indicating active star formation) are audible as brighter, more highly pitched tones. The background galaxies are played as a soft pluck sound while the bright foreground star is accompanied by a crash cymbal.
More information about the NASA sonification project through Chandra, which is made in partnership with NASA’s Universe of Learning, can be found at https://chandra.si.edu/sound/. The collaboration was driven by visualization scientist Kimberly Arcand (CXC), astrophysicist Matt Russo, and musician Andrew Santaguida, (both of the SYSTEM Sounds project), along with consultant Christine Malec.
NASA’s Universe of Learning materials are based upon work supported by NASA under cooperative agreement award number NNX16AC65A to the Space Telescope Science Institute, working in partnership with Caltech/IPAC, Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian, and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
More about Chandra
Chandra, managed for NASA by Marshall in partnership with the CXC, is one of NASA’s Great Observatories, along with the Hubble Space Telescope and the now-retired Spitzer Space Telescope and Compton Gamma Ray Observatory. It was first proposed to NASA in 1976 by Riccardo Giacconi, recipient of the 2002 Nobel Prize for Physics based on his contributions to X-ray astronomy, and Harvey Tananbaum, who would later become the first director of the Chandra X-ray Center. Chandra was named in honor of the late Nobel laureate Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar, who earned the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1983 for his work explaining the structure and evolution of stars.
Learn more about the Chandra X-ray Observatory and its mission here:
https://www.nasa.gov/mission/chandra-x-ray-observatory/
https://cxc.harvard.edu
News Media Contact
Lane Figueroa
Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, Alabama
256-544-0034
lane.e.figueroa@nasa.gov
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Last Updated Sep 03, 2024 LocationMarshall Space Flight Center Related Terms
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5 min read Cassiopeia A, Then the Cosmos: 25 Years of Chandra X-ray Science
Article 1 week ago 9 min read 25 Years Ago: STS-93, Launch of the Chandra X-Ray Observatory
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By NASA
Through a nonlinear path to success, research astrophysicist Tyler Parsotan discovers transformational science using Swift’s observations.
Name: Tyler Parsotan
Formal Job Classification: Research astrophysicist
Organization: Astroparticle Physics Laboratory (Code 661), Astrophysics Science Division, Sciences and Exploration Directorate
Dr. Tyler Parsotan is a research astrophysicist at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md. He helps operate the Bust Alert Telescope on board the Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory. Courtesy of Tyler Parsotan What do you do and what is most interesting about your role here at Goddard?
I help operate the Burst Alert Telescope on board the Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory to study some of the most powerful astrophysical processes in the universe. What is most interesting is the engineering capabilities that have gone into the spacecraft to make it nimble and robust, allowing it to conduct a wide range of transformative science.
Why did you become an astrophysicist?
Ever since I was young, I was fascinated with the stars and how the world worked. All of this led me to physics with a focus on astrophysics. That is how I got into what I am doing now.
What is your educational background?
In 2015, I got a Bachelor of Science in space physics from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida. In 2019, I got a master’s in physics from Oregon State University, Corvallis, and in 2020 I got a master’s in mechanical engineering also from Oregon State University. In 2021, I got a doctorate in physics from Oregon State University.
When I first applied to graduate school, I did not get into any. I was fortunate enough to learn about Oregon State University though a program geared towards allowing underrepresented students in STEM fields to get graduate degrees. This program, known as the Ronald E. McNair Post-baccalaureate Achievement Program, played a pivotal role in me being able to attend graduate school .
Are you also a pilot?
Yes, I am. While I was in Oregon as a graduate student, I was able to save up enough money to get my private pilot’s license over the course of one summer from the local Corvallis airport. I would bike to the airport and get in a plane to fly all over Oregon from the coast to the Cascade Mountains. It was a very cool experience.
How did you come to Goddard?
I did a post-doctorate fellowship starting the fall of 2021 through May 2023. My doctoral research was related to one of Swift’s many science focuses, so I wanted to continue my work at Goddard.
What transformational science have you been involved with using Swift’s observations?
Some of the science that Swift focuses on is related to the transient universe, meaning that we primarily look at astrophysical events that come and go very quickly and typically produce a ton of energy. Swift examines the light energy produced from black holes, the majority of which are eating mass from black stars.
While at Oregon State University, I studied the most energetic events in the universe known as gamma-ray bursts. I am now studying gamma-ray bursts at Goddard. One of the big discoveries made by Swift is that these gamma ray bursts can be seen out to early times in the universe. Some of these explosions occurred when the universe was very young, only 100,000 years old or so. Because the universe is expanding, it takes that light some time to travel to us. With Swift, we detect that light and can make some measurements about the gamma-ray bursts, such as when they occurred, how much energy they produced in these massive explosions, and some of the properties of the early universe.
“There are no linear paths to success,” said Tyler. “Keep looking for a way to be successful. This advice applies to life overall.”Courtesy of Tyler Parsotan What is the biggest discovery you have been involved with and what do you love most about working on Swift?
We are simulating the gamma-ray bursts, which was a focus of my doctorate. We cannot yet actually see these explosions, so we have to simulate them using the physics that we now know. I have been able to connect some of the large simulations to the Swift observations and measurements. This helps us better understand the underlying physics of these powerful explosions.
The amount of energy produced in a typical gamma-ray burst is enough to blow up the Sun a few times over.
Lots of people know about Hubble, which observes the light that we can see with our eyes. The light that I deal with, gamma rays, has much higher energy and cannot be seen with our eyes. We have to use different techniques to measure this light. Designing detectors to measure this light is challenging technically but means that this area of physics is ripe for discovery. I love being part of this.
Swift will be 20 years old in November 2024. As a relative newcomer to Swift, what are your thoughts?
I think Swift is a great observatory because it has conducted lots of transformational science, drastically expanding our knowledge of the cosmos. Even though it is getting older, it is still able to push science forward in new and exciting ways. I am looking forward to helping the Swift mission celebrate 20 years of amazing science.
What is your advice to anyone starting and continuing a career?
There are no linear paths to success. Keep looking for a way to be successful. This advice applies to life overall.
Are you involved in any of Goddard’s extracurricular activities?
I recently joined Goddard’s soccer league. Everyone at Goddard self organizes into teams that play each other after work during the week. We play about a game a week. The winning team gets bragging rights. I mostly play defense. Being on a team is a good way to meet people at Goddard and to stay active.
In addition to soccer, what are your hobbies?
I enjoy hiking, mountain biking, and generally being outdoors.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
I hope to still be at Goddard. I enjoy the type of work and the overall work environment. If Swift continues another five years, hopefully I’ll be working on it and also helping to create the next generation of gamma-ray observatories to help push science forward. We are making the science that will be in the next textbooks.
Who do you want to thank?
My doctoral supervisor Davide Lazzati was an extremely supportive mentor and pushed me to be the best scientist that I can be. Since I arrived at Goddard, we have been good colleagues.
My former mentor and supervisor at Goddard is Brad Cenko, the Swift principal investigator. I am grateful that he hired me and allowed me to grow as a post-doctoral researcher.
I also want to thank my entire family for being extremely supportive and understanding even though they may not fully understand what I really do.
Who is your science hero?
Copernicus. He put forward the theory that our solar system orbits the Sun. He was obviously very instrumental in changing the way we think about the cosmos. He got into a lot of trouble with his theory, which makes his accomplishments all the more important.
By Elizabeth M. Jarrell
NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Md.
Conversations With Goddard is a collection of Q&A profiles highlighting the breadth and depth of NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center’s talented and diverse workforce. The Conversations have been published twice a month on average since May 2011. Read past editions on Goddard’s “Our People” webpage.
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Last Updated Aug 20, 2024 EditorMadison OlsonContactRob Garnerrob.garner@nasa.govLocationGoddard Space Flight Center Related Terms
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By NASA
A college team dressed in protective clean room suits prepares their robotic rover to compete in the final round of NASA’s annual Lunabotics competition on Thursday, May 16, 2024. Teams score points when their rover completes challenging tasks inside the Artemis Arena – a simulated lunar landscape inside The Astronauts Memorial Foundation’s Center for Space Education at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. (Credit: NASA) NASA invites teams from colleges, universities, as well as technical and vocational schools around the country to test their engineering skills in the 2025 Lunabotics Challenge. Applications open at 5 p.m. EDT on Friday, Sept. 6. The competition is aimed at inspiring Artemis Generation students to explore science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) for the benefit of humanity.
Managed by NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement, the Lunabotics Challenge asks teams to design and build an autonomous or telerobotic robot capable of navigating a simulated lunar surface and completing the assigned construction task. The robots will have to master the complexities of regolith, or lunar soil, simulants used to excavate and construct berm structures in a lunar environment, be capable of operating by remote control or through autonomous operations, and account for weight and size limitations.
By participating in one of NASA’s Artemis Student Challenges, students have the opportunity to provide data on robotic excavator and builder design and operations, helping shape future missions at the Moon and ultimately Mars. NASA encourages creative construction techniques and evaluates student designs and data just like it does for its own prototypes, increasing the chances of finding smart solutions for the challenges the agency may encounter at the Moon under the Artemis campaign.
Additionally, the competition will educate college students in the NASA systems engineering process, the agency’s methodical, multi-disciplinary approach for the design, realization, technical management, operations, and retirement of a system.
The competition will close on Thursday, Sept. 12, and NASA will announce selected teams on Friday, Sept. 20. These teams will put their robots to the test during the University of Central Florida’s Lunabotics Qualification Challenge in May 2025, with the highest scoring teams invited to the culminating event at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida later that month.
Lunabotics takes place annually, running since 2010, and is one of several Artemis Student Challenges reflecting the goals of the Artemis campaign, which seeks to land the first woman, first person of color, and first international astronaut on the Moon where NASA will establish a long-term presence and prepare for future science and exploration of Mars.
More than 7,000 students have participated in Lunabotics with many former students now working at NASA, or within the aerospace industry.
To learn more about LUNABOTICS, visit:
https://go.nasa.gov/4dcsjVg
–end–
Abbey Donaldson
Headquarters, Washington
202-358-1600
abbey.a.donaldson@nasa.gov
Derrol Nail
Kennedy Space Center, Florida
321-289-9513
derrol.j.nail@nasa.gov
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By NASA
Rebekah Hounsell is an assistant research scientist working on ways to optimize and build infrastructure for future observations made by the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope. The mission will shed light on many astrophysics topics, like dark energy, which are currently shrouded in mystery. Rebekah also works as a support scientist for the TESS (Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite) mission, helping scientists access and analyze data.
Name: Rebekah Hounsell
Title: Assistant Research Scientist
Formal Job Classification: Support Scientist for the TESS mission and Co-Principal Investigator of the Roman Supernova Project Infrastructure Team (PIT)
Organization: Code 667.0
Rebekah Hounsell knew she wanted to study space from a very young age. Now, she’s a scientist at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md. NASA/Chris Gunn What do you do and what is most interesting about your role at Goddard?
I am fortunate to have several roles at Goddard. I am a support scientist for TESS. Here I aid the community in accessing and analyzing TESS data. I am a co-principal investigator of a Roman project infrastructure team, focusing on building infrastructure to support supernova cosmology with the Roman HLTDS (High Latitude Time-Domain Survey). In addition, I am part of the Physics of the Cosmos program analysis group executive committee, co-chairing both the Cosmic Structure Science interest group and the Time-Domain and Multi-Messenger Astrophysics Science interest group. In these roles I have been fortunate enough to get a glimpse into how missions such as TESS and Roman work and how we can make them a success for the community. Missions like TESS are paving the way for future wide area surveys like Roman, providing a plethora of high cadence transient and variable star data, which can be used to gain a better understanding of our universe and our place within it.
How will your current work influence the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope’s future observations?
The Roman team I am leading is tasked with developing a pixels-to-cosmology pipeline for the analysis of supernova data from the HLTDS. What this means is that we will develop tools to aid the community in obtaining supernova lightcurves and prism spectra, which are precise enough to be used in testing various cosmological modes. We are also working to develop tools which will allow the community to test various HLTDS designs, adjusting cadence, filters, exposure times, etc., to best optimize its output for their science.
What got you interested in astrophysics? What was your path to your current role?
When I was a child I lived in a very rural area in England, with little to no light pollution. I had a wonderful view of the night sky and was fascinated by stars. I remember when I found out that the universe was expanding and my first thought was “into what?” I think it was that which fueled my curiosity about space and pushed me into astrophysics. At about 10 years old, I decided astrophysics was the path for me, and after that I really started to focus on physics and math at school.
At 18, 19 I went to Liverpool University/Liverpool John Moores and completed my master’s in astrophysics in 2008. I then went on to obtain my Ph.D., focusing on classical and recurrent novae. In 2012 I received my first postdoc at STScI (the Space Telescope Science Institute in Baltimore). It was at STScI that I learned about how the instruments operating on Hubble worked and figured out that what I really loved doing was working on data and improving it. At the time however, I wasn’t ready to leave academia altogether, so I took another postdoc at the University of Illinois Champaign Urbana/UC Santa Cruz. It was here that I first started working on Roman, only back then it was known as WFIRST. I was a member of a Supernova Science Investigation Team for WFIRST and worked to optimize the design of what was then known as the SN survey, later to become the HLTDS. During this time I published a paper that created some of the most realistic simulations of the survey, including various statistical and systematic effects. After this I headed to the University of Pennsylvania to work on core collapse supernovae from the Dark Energy Survey. This was an exciting data set, but again I realized what I really liked doing was working on data from or for a mission. As such I took my current job at NASA.
Rebekah stands by a model of NASA’s upcoming Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope. The observatory’s deployable aperture cover, or sun shade, is visible in the background in the largest clean room at Goddard.NASA/David Friedlander What are you most looking forward to exploring through Roman’s eyes?
Given the nature of the mission, Roman is going to discover a plethora of transient events. Some of these will be extremely rare and if caught in one of Roman’s high cadenced, deep fields, the data obtained will be able to shed new light on the physics driving these phenomena. I am also excited about these data being used with those from other observatories including the Vera C. Rubin Observatory and NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope.
What has surprised you the most about the universe as you’ve learned more about it?
We are still discovering so many new things which shed new light on the universe, its evolution, and our place in it. In recent years we have learned about kilonovae, gravitational waves, and we’ve discovered various diverse supernovae. There are so many extreme and complex events that we are still trying to understand, and I suspect that Roman will reveal even more.
What is your favorite thing about working for NASA?
There is no one path to working at NASA. I have met so many people who entered into the field following completely different paths than myself. I love this. We all have something different to bring to the table and those differences are what makes NASA what it is today.
A portrait of Rebekah in front of the NASA meatball.NASA/David Friedlander What hobbies fill your time outside of work?
I like to paint and draw. I also enjoy looking after animals. I also love participating in outreach events. When I lived in Philly I helped to set up the Astronomy on Tap branch there. I think it is important to talk about what we do and why it is needed.
What advice do you have for others who are interested in working in astronomy?
There is no one path. Don’t think you have to complete x, y, z steps and then you make it. That is not true. Do what you are passionate about, what you enjoy to learn about. And most importantly ask questions! Learn about what others are doing in the field, how they got there, and figure out what works for you.
By Ashley Balzer
NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Md.
Conversations With Goddard is a collection of Q&A profiles highlighting the breadth and depth of NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center’s talented and diverse workforce. The Conversations have been published twice a month on average since May 2011. Read past editions on Goddard’s “Our People” webpage.
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Last Updated Jul 16, 2024 ContactAshley Balzerashley.m.balzer@nasa.govLocationGoddard Space Flight Center Related Terms
People of NASA Careers Goddard Space Flight Center Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope People of Goddard Women at NASA Explore More
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