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X-Ray Visions of SS Cygni

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Donna L. Young

Wright Center for Science Education, Tufts University, Room 267C, 4 Colby Street, Medford, MA 02155

Received September 30, 2004; revised November 1, 2004; accepted November 1, 2004

Abstract  The Chandra X-Ray Observatory is the most sophisticated X-ray observatory launched by NASA. Chandra is designed to observe X-rays from high-energy regions of the universe, such as X-ray binary stars. On September 14, 2000, triggered by alerts from amateur astronomers worldwide, Chandra observed the outburst of the brightest northern dwarf nova SS Cygni. The cooperation of hundreds of amateur variable star astronomers and the Chandra X-Ray scientists and spacecraft specialists provided proof that the collaboration of amateur and professional astronomers is a powerful tool to study cosmic phenomena.