"NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory has solved a ten-year mystery scientists have been unable to answer. Using the observatory they discovered a thin veil of carbon on the neutron star in the Cassiopeia A supernova remnant.

"The compact star at the center of this famous supernova remnant has been an enigma since its discovery," said Wynn Ho of the University of Southampton. "Now we finally understand that it can be produced by a hot neutron star with a carbon atmosphere."

By analyzing Chandra's X-ray spectrum in a manner similar to a fingerprint of energy. Then applying the data to theoretical models, Ho and his fellow researchers determined that the neutron star in Cassiopeia A, or Cas A for short, has an ultra-thin coating of carbon. The revelation marked the first time the composition of an atmosphere of an isolated neutron star has been confirmed."

http://www.allheadlinenews.com/articles/7016897745?NASA's%20Chandra%20X-Ray%20Unlocks%20Secret%20Of%20Carbon%20Atmosphere%20On%20Neutron%20Star