Posted on by Nancy Atkinson

Where In the Universe #151

It’s back by popular demand! Here’s a new Where In The Universe Challenge. Name where in the Universe this image was taken depicts and give yourself extra points if you can name the telescope or spacecraft responsible for the image. Post your guesses in the comments section, and check back on later at this same post to find the answer. To make this challenge fun for everyone, please don’t include links or extensive explanations with your answer. Good luck!

UPDATE: The answer has now been posted below.

This is a Chandra image of four bright, variable X-ray sources that were discovered within 3 light years of Sagittarius A* (Sgr A*). The variability suggests these are X-ray binary systems where a black hole or neutron star is pulling matter from a nearby companion star. Such a high concentration of X-ray binaries in this region is strong circumstantial evidence that a dense swarm of 10,000 or more stellar-mass black holes and neutron stars has formed around Sgr A*.

For more images and info see the Chandra website.

20 Replies to “Where In the Universe #151”

  4. It is clearly Chandra X-ray Image of Galactic Center X-ray Binaries. But I only know that because I dragged the picture into the Google Images search box 🙂

  5. Umm, some sort of X-ray thing by Chandra I’m guessing. (I think that’s vague enough that I can’t be wrong)

  10. Region around Sagittarius A. This is an X-Ray, image, I suppose, taken by the Chandra X-Ray observatory. Probably having many Black Holes….

    1. If Sag A* has more than one SMBH there might be more of an AGN to our dear mom, the Milky Way. You don’t want to see it angry.

      Mary

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