Chandra Makes Its Mark on 2001
Arthur C. Clarke's famous novel, "2001: A Space Odyssey," published in 1968, is, of course, one of the best-known science fiction novels ever written. However, some of what Clarke wrote, turned out not to be so farfetched. Specifically, the following line seemed rather prescient: "[In 2001,] X-ray telescopes kept watch on strange stars that no human eye would ever see."

As 2001 came to a close, NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory certainly fulfilled Clarke's prediction by producing spectacular imagery and science from a universe that is invisible to the unaided eye. Now in its third year of observation, Chandra has observed not only strange stars as Clarke suggested, but black holes, galaxies, and other cosmic phenomena. Taking a look back, here are some of the highlights of the past year with Chandra: