Optical Image of the Milky Way with Chandra X-ray Pullout

(Credit: NASA/CXC/MIT/F.K. Baganoff et al./E. Slawik)

Chandra image of Sgr A*
This Chandra image of Sgr A* and the region around it was based on almost two weeks of observing time. A theoretical model based on these deep data has been produced to help explain why this giant black hole seems to consume so little material. Scientists have also used these data to probe supernova remnants and lobes of hot gas extending away from the black hole. The image also contains several mysterious X-ray filaments.
(Credit: NASA/CXC/MIT/F.K. Baganoff et al./E. Slawik)

Close-up of SgrA*
This is a close-up of a Chandra image showing the central part of the Milky Way. This image is about 4 light years across and shows Sgr A* along with two binary stars containing either a neutron star or a black hole, along with a structure generated by winds of a rapidly spinning neutron star, known as a pulsar wind nebula. A star cluster is also visible. Note that the X-ray source for Sgr A* is more extended than that of the binary stars. The contrast for this image is different from the one shown for the image with the wider field of view.
(Credit: NASA/CXC/MIT/F.K. Baganoff et al./E. Slawik)

Sagittarius A* with Scale Bar
(Credit: NASA/CXC/MIT/F.K. Baganoff et al.