Just over a week ago, NASA launched its NuSTAR Space Telescope that will enable scientists to study high-energy X-rays, and create clearer and more detailed pictures of some of the universe’s X-ray sources, such as black holes. Yesterday, engineers at mission control in Berkeley sent a signal to the telescope, and its 33-foot mast began to expand. After 26 minutes, the mast was fully expanded, and the crew on the ground cheered. In just a few days, NuSTAR will capture its “first light” image. Above, an artist’s rendering of what NuSTAR now looks like. To learn more about NuSTAR and the black holes it is set to explore, check out our interview with Fiona Harrison, the mission’s principal investigator.

Below, recent Pictures of the Day:

Image: NASA.

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