Free For All – Explore the Cosmos from Your Computer

Go on a journey through the universe to discover black holes and infant stars. (X-ray: NASA/CXC/MIT/C. Canizares; IR: NASA/ESA/CSA/STScI/K. Pontoppidan; Image Processing: NASA/ESA/STScI/Alyssa Pagan, NASA/CXC/SAO/L. Frattare and J. Major)

Strap in for a road trip through the cosmos in this month’s Free For All feature. NASA’s takes us on an adventure, using the Chandra X-ray Observatory and James Webb Space Telescope, to explore four amazing destinations across outer space! The first stop in our travels is a star-forming region 390 light-years away known as Rho Ophiuchi, where you’ll get to witness the hot, outer atmospheres of infant stars displayed in rich purple X-rays from Chandra, while Webb provides you with stunning views of the various colors of gas and dust.

Next, it’s on to the Orion Nebula, which is located about 1,500 light-years from Earth. Using Chandra, you’ll admire young stars glowing brightly in X-rays, while Webb showcases the cosmic dance of gas and dust that helps shape the next generation of stars. The fun continues, going 36 million light-years away to survey the barred, spiral galaxy, NGC 3627.

Finally, your voyage takes you a whopping 4.3 billion light-years from planet Earth to MACS J0416, which is a galaxy cluster loaded with hundreds of galaxies and superheated gases. Check it out for an exhilarating cosmic joyride packed with astonishing discoveries and breathtaking celestial visuals!