CenA Collaboration with NASA Chandra X-ray Observatory Center

[SkyViking]

Hi All,

Thought I'd casually mention that today NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory released a series of professional-amateur collaboration images including one using my 120 hours of Centaurus A optical data.:cool:

The image was combined by Science Imager Joseph DePasquale from Chandra X-ray Observatory Center, using both X-ray, optical and infrared data. It is composed of the following data:

My deep 120 hour optical image Centaurus A Extreme Deep Field (http://www.rolfolsenastrophotography.com/Astrophotography/Centaurus-A-Extreme-Deep-Field/i-6RGLbJp) taken over 43 nights in 2013.
230 hours of Chandra X-ray data (http://chandra.harvard.edu/photo/2014/cena/) gathered over the past 15 years.
Infrared data from NASA's Spitzer Space Telescope (http://www.spitzer.caltech.edu/).
The combined exposure time is in excess of an astonishing 350 hours, or two weeks; more than the Hubble Ultra Deep Field. :eyepop::lol:
Below are links to the official press releases including the other spectacular images in the series (M101, M81 and M51) with optical data by German astrophotographer Detlef Hartmann:

Chandra Press Release (http://chandra.harvard.edu/photo/2014/proam/)
Spitzer Press Release (http://www.spitzer.caltech.edu/news/1641-feature14-08-Professional-and-Amateur-Astronomers-Join-Forces)
Individual images for download (http://chandra.harvard.edu/photo/2014/proam/more.html)
Full details on the Centaurus A Extreme Deep Field project are available from my Centaurus A gallery (http://www.rolfolsenastrophotography.com/Astrophotography/Centaurus-A-Extreme-Deep-Field)

For astrophotographers, or even just 'armchair' astronomers, who would like to get involved with astronomical research the International Astronomical Union has an excellent page with information on how to get involved in citizen science projects or Pro-Am collaborations (https://www.iau.org/public/themes/citizen-science-projects/).

Regards,
Rolf

[rmuhlack]

Congratulations Rolf, a worthy accolade indeed :)

[h0ughy]

WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

thats got to make APOD

[alpal]

Hi Rolf,
Wow - that's a magnificent collaboration - professionals & amateurs working together.
It will be an APOD for sure.

This is at a new level for amateur astronomers.


cheers
Allan

[jsmoraes]

congratulations, your work is worthy !:2thumbs:

[atalas]

Very cool Rolf!

[Kunama]

Well done Rolf !!!!

[Dennis]

That is fantastic news Rolf, congratulations on the recognition of the amazing effort you have invested in this project.:thumbsup:

It is truly inspirational to get an insight into what you have achieved through browsing the rich presentations and details on your accompanying website.:)

Loving the new, relaxed and natural looking repro.:):thumbsup:

Cheers

Dennis

[gregbradley]

How good is that? Stunning and congratulations Rolf for an inspirational effort and result. Also from a telescope you made yourself!
Greg.

[DJT]

That's a great outcome Rolf. Congratulations.

[LewisM]

Over-whelming imagery. The optical when we first saw it was incredible, now the combined data is fascinating, mind-blowing and at the same time, extremelly humbling.

[Shiraz]

wow. what a wonderful result - congratulations Rolf.

[peter_4059]

Great achievement Rolf and a fantastic image. Well done.

[Peter Ward]

Well deserved recognition :thumbsup:

[RickS]

Congrats, Rolf! That's very cool. :thumbsup:

[Andy01]

Awesome accolade, congratulations Rolf!

[lazjen]

Great work, awesome result! :thumbsup:

[strongmanmike]

Top stuff Rolf.....really top stuff :)

Mike

[allan gould]

Absolutely brilliant !!
Well done Rolf and congratulations
Allan

[andyc]

That's fantastic, well done Rolf! As someone else already said - a different level for amateurs, and you're leading the way. Great stuff!

[pfitzgerald]

An absolutely otstanding effort Rolf - well done! A truly stunning combined image.

Paul

[E_ri_k]

That's amazing Rolf! An amazing effort, and stunning image! Well done:thumbsup:
Erik

[dvj]

Naah, they'll probably pick Orion setting behind a rock or something. ;-)

Fantastic image however. :thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup:

[SkyViking]

Thank you everyone for your encouraging words. :) :thumbsup:
It has been great fun working with this huge set of Centaurus A data on several occasions throughout the last year, and I'm grateful for being able to take part in this Pro-Am collaboration with NASA.

I'm currently working on another mega-data project which should be ready within the next couple of months. Not quite another 120 hours though... as we didn't have a drought in NZ this summer, unlike last year, so there has been slightly fewer clear nights.
I really like joggling these enormous datasets, allthough I've just had to invest in a new 4TB drive due to this habit :lol::P

[strongmanmike]

Soooo, The Antennae perhaps? :whistle:

I'm trying one too, but... the WEATHER :scared:...t'is driving me spare :nerd:

Mike

[SkyViking]

No comments :whistle: :lol:
But yes the weather has been pretty poor here also. Not overcast and pouring rain, but just enough cloud to ruin any chance of serious imaging sessions... *sigh*

[Paul Haese]

Well done on the collaboration Rolf.:thumbsup:

[marco]

Heat off Rolf, an already fantastic image turned out even more interesting! Thanks also for pointing out this chance to cooperate with the pros, I was not aware about it!

Clear skies
Marco

[Phil Hart]

You should understandably be very happy with that. What great science and kudos for your effort and skill!

Phil