09/02/2026
By Lynne Schaufenbil
Please join the Lowell Center for Space Science and Technology on Thursday, Sept. 10, at 11 a.m. for the talk “Our Astounding X-ray Universe” by Dr. Melania Nynka.
Abstract
X-ray astronomy gives us glimpses into the most extreme phenomena in our universe. With groundbreaking satellites such as NuSTAR and the Chandra X-ray Observatory, we can observe parts of our own Milky Way galaxy that would otherwise be nearly impossible to observe. This includes our very own supermassive black hole, Sagittarius A*. This talk will describe the technology powering X-ray telescopes and some of their incredible insights into black hole physics.
Bio
Melania (Mel) Nynka is an astrophysicist and MIT research scientist working for the Chandra X-ray Observatory. She obtained her Ph.D. from Columbia University, focusing her research on low-luminosity supermassive black holes and pulsar wind nebulae in our Galactic Center. She enjoys helping astronomers around the world get the best data possible from Chandra to explore our universe.
If you are interested in attending in person or via Zoom, please contact Lynne_Schaufenbil@uml.edu.