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M.C. Weisskopf (NASA/MSFC), T. Aldcroft, R.A. Cameron (SAO), P. Gandhi, C. Foellmi (ESO), R.F. Elsner (NASA/MSFC), S.K. Patel (USRA/MSFC), S.L. O'Dell (NASA/MSFC)
We report here the results of an analysis of the first photons detected with the Chandra X-ray Observatory. The observation took place immediately following the opening of the last door protecting the X-ray telescope. We discuss the unusual operational conditions as the first extra-terrestrial X-ray photons reflected from the telescope onto the ACIS camera. One bright source was apparent to the team at the control center and the small collection of photons that appeared on the monitor were sufficient to indicate that the telescope had survived the launch and was approximately in focus, even prior to any checks and subsequent adjustments. We present an analysis of the sources in the field and an identification of the first Chandra source which had been named Leon X-1 to honor the momentous contributions of the Chandra Telescope Scientist, Leon Van Speybroeck.
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Bulletin of the American Astronomical Society, 36 #3
© 2004. The American Astronomical Soceity.