For Release: Sept. 23, 1999

Wallace Tucker
Chandra X-ray Observatory Center
Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory
Wtucker@cfa.harvard.edu
(617) 496-7998

Media Advisory: 99-248

Scientists to Detail Chandra Finding Of Bright Ring Around Cosmic Powerhouse

A new image from NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory reveals a brilliant ring around a cosmic powerhouse at the heart of the Crab Nebula, the spectacular remains of a stellar explosion. The image will be presented at a Space Science Update at 1 p.m. EDT, Tuesday, Sept. 28, originating from in the James E. Webb Auditorium at NASA Headquarters, 300 E St. SW, Washington, D.C.

The ring is the first such structure ever discovered, and, along with observations from the Hubble Space Telescope, provides important clues to the puzzle of how the neutron star powerhouse energizes the Crab Nebula.

Panelists will be:

- Dr. Alan Bunner, Science Director, NASA Headquarters, Washington, D.C.;

- Dr. Martin Weisskopf, Chandra Project Scientist, NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, Ala.;

- Prof. Jeff Hester, Arizona State University, Tempe, Ariz.;

- Prof. Malvin Ruderman, Columbia University, New York, N.Y.

The briefing will be carried live on NASA Television with question-and-answer capability for reporters covering the briefing from participating NASA centers and from the Chandra Operations Control Center in Cambridge, Mass. NASA Television is available on transponder 9C, satellite GE-2 at 85 degrees West longitude, vertical polarization, frequency 3880 MHz, audio of 6.8 MHz.

Chandra images and additional information will be available following the briefing on the Internet at:

http://chandra.nasa.gov

and

http://chandra.harvard.edu