NASA is offering Instagram users a way to explore the universe through a new augmented reality (AR) filter that brings stunning celestial bodies to life on your screen.
To use the Instagram Chandra experience, search for the "NASAChandraXray" account, select the effects options and choose the desired effect.
Some of the celestial bodies you can explore include the Cat’s Eye Nebula, Vela pulsar, and Tycho's supernova remnant.
For example, the Cat’s Eye Nebula appears as a round formation with a glowing rim and a diamond-shaped blue centre.
Tycho's supernova remnant, found 8,000 to 10,000 light-years from Earth, is another fascinating object you can explore.
NASA is offering Instagram users a way to explore the universe through a new augmented reality (AR) filter that brings stunning celestial bodies to life on your screen.
Using data from the Chandra X-ray Observatory and other space telescopes, this "Instagram experience" immerses you in the beauty of space by placing astronomical objects right next to you on camera.
"Travel through the vastness of space and experience several astronomical objects — including the debris fields of exploded stars — with our new interactive Instagram experiences," NASA wrote in an Instagram post.
The AR filter can show cosmic phenomena such as the wreckage of supernovae and dense clouds of gas and dust where stars are being born. This innovative tool is part of the celebration of Chandra's 25th anniversary which was launched on July 23, 1999.
To use the Instagram Chandra experience, search for the "NASAChandraXray" account, select the effects options and choose the desired effect. You can save the effect to your camera or try it instantly.
Chandra X-ray Center visualization and emerging technology scientist Kimberly Arcand said, "We are excited to bring data from the universe down to Earth in this way."
"Enabling people to access cosmic data on their phones and through AR brings Chandra’s amazing discoveries literally right to your fingertips."
What all there is to explore?
Some of the celestial bodies you can explore include the Cat’s Eye Nebula, Vela pulsar, and Tycho's supernova remnant. For example, the Cat’s Eye Nebula appears as a round formation with a glowing rim and a diamond-shaped blue centre. It resembles a cat’s eye. Users can back up and point to see the full view of this mesmerising nebula.
Watch | Drug overdose death rates rising in US, says study × The Vela pulsar, located 1,000 light-years away, is a neutron star that emerged from a massive star's collapse. It spins 11 times per second and emits jets from its poles at 70 per cent of the speed of light.
Tycho's supernova remnant, found 8,000 to 10,000 light-years from Earth, is another fascinating object you can explore. Named after Danish astronomer Tycho Brahe, this remnant is from a Type Ia supernova, which occurs when a white dwarf accumulates material from a companion star until a nuclear explosion obliterates it.
In addition to this, you can view the Helix Nebula, an expanding cloud of stellar material around 650 light-years.
(With inputs from agencies)
