👀 Our orbiting X-ray eyes are ready to look into the universe! Last month, our Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE) launched into space to observe some of the hottest, most energetic objects in the cosmos. IXPE will measure X-ray polarization, a property of light that will help us study the spin of supermassive black holes and the magnetic fields around powerful pulsars. On Jan. 11, IXPE began observing its first official scientific target: Cassiopeia A, the remains of a massive star that exploded (from Earth's perspective) about 350 years ago. This image shows Cassiopeia A as seen by NASAChandraXRay, another one of our orbiting observatories that's helping us unravel the mysteries of outer space. Credit:NASA/CXC/SAO #NASA #Space #IXPE #Cassiopeia #Astrophotography #ChandraXRay