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Travel radiology tech career overview

Radiology tech travel jobs with nomad health.

From invasive cancer in the brain to a simple broken finger, travel radiology technologists help diagnose and visualize a range of maladies using modalities such as X-ray, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and fluoroscopy. Without their expertise in capturing the most accurate images in a timely manner, doctors and nurses would be flying blind. 

At Nomad, we understand the importance of radiology techs and want them to have access to competitive pay and career support throughout their travel journey. Amongst our allied health travel jobs, travel radiology tech jobs are the most popular, with hundreds of unique options nationwide. Additionally, we provide a full breadth of insurance benefits that include medical, dental, vision, and malpractice insurance. As a radiology tech, we know obtaining different state licenses and certifications can be expensive, so we offer reimbursements in certification, licensure, scrubs, and up to $1,000 of one-way travel to your assignment.

Working as a traveling rad tech can be overwhelming at times, so we provide resources to help you succeed. As a radiology tech with Nomad, you have a dedicated team of Navigators to answer any questions in the application process and beyond. While you’re on assignment, our in-house group of expert travel clinicians, the Clinical Excellence team, is also available to help communicate your needs to facilities.

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Travel radiology tech salary information.

At Nomad, the average weekly salary of a travel radiology tech is $2,710, with the median hourly pay at $70 . The highest-paid traveling radiology techs earn $4,720 a week and up to $88 per hour. This means that for a standard 13-week assignment, the gross salary for a travel radiology tech could be up to $61,360.*

Travel radiology tech salaries vary depending on a number of factors such as obtaining specialty certifications, gaining experience in different modalities, choosing a high-paying location, and selecting shifts that have an added differential. With Nomad’s mobile app, finding the highest-paying jobs with ideal options for location, shift, and length of contract is easier than ever. 

*Subject to change. This is based on the average weekly salary of Nomad radiology techs from March 29, 2023

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Traveling radiology technologist job description.

According to the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT), radiology technologists are medical professionals that perform “diagnostic imaging examinations and administer radiation therapy treatments.” Travel radiology techs work in a wide variety of settings such as hospitals, outpatient clinics, and physician’s offices, although most are based in hospitals. They also function in multiple clinical specialties such as cardiovascular, orthopedics, prenatal, and pediatric. Most travel radiology technologists are certified to use X-ray equipment to capture images of a patient’s soft tissue, internal organs, and bones. 

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, some of the core features of a travel radiology technologist's job are utilizing and maintaining different imaging equipment, operating the computer system to take images, following precise orders from providers on which areas of the body to image, and keeping detailed patient records. Important skills that rad techs develop are preparing patients for procedures through accurate positioning of the patient and the machine, and shielding unnecessarily exposed body parts from radiation. Travel radiology techs also regularly take a patient’s medical history and collaborate with physicians to determine if more images are needed.

Soft skills

Traveling radiology techs frequently interact with patients, nurses, doctors, and other personnel like transporters. Depending on the facility, some travel radiology technologists may be the only ones staffing the department, so having a flexible mindset and knowing how to ask for help from unfamiliar faces is vital. Overall, having a friendly demeanor and a collaborative approach to interacting with others will help travel rad techs be successful in their assignments.

Depending on the facility and radiology modality, travel rad techs may work night or day shifts as most hospitals have 24-hour CT scanners and X-ray capabilities. Other modalities like magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may have daytime coverage but will require overnight on-call shifts.

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Types of rad tech travel jobs.

There are many different types of travel radiology technologist jobs. The ability to work in these specialties is often determined by recent experience in the specialty, along with appropriate certification from an organization like the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). Take a look at some of the more popular travel radiology tech specialties.

Computed tomography (CT) radiology technologist

A travel radiology tech specializing in computed tomography (CT) will likely require certification in the ARRT (R) and the ARRT (CT). According to the ARRT, some of the core duties of CT radiology tech travel jobs include positioning the patient properly for a scan, taking a full medical history, and ensuring the patient has adequate IV access if necessary. Techs also administer IV contrast and document any adverse actions, select the correct protocols and perform scans, and notify the right medical staff of any critical findings. Some CT rad techs work in the emergency room and can scan stroke and trauma patients emergently at all hours. Most facilities require techs to have at least 12 months of recent CT radiology experience and their Basic Life Support (BLS) certification. 

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) radiology technologist

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, MRI lab techs specialize in using magnetic resonance imaging scanners. The scanners use magnetic fields and contrast agents to produce images that a physician can use to diagnose medical issues. Some tasks that MRI radiology tech travel jobs require you to perform include checking the patients for the presence of contraindicated metal implants, administering intravenous contrast like gadolinium, selecting appropriate imaging protocols, and communicating critical findings to physicians and nurses. For travel MRI radiology techs, most facilities will require at least 12 to 24 months of recent MRI experience and the ARRT (MR), along with BLS.

Interventional radiology (IR) technologist 

Travel interventional radiology technologists work primarily in interventional radiology units where minimally invasive procedures are performed with the assistance of computed tomography imaging, magnetic resonance imaging, or x-ray fluoroscopy. Some core duties of a IR tech travel jobs include assisting the IR physician in preparing access sites on the patient, correctly positioning the patient, selecting the appropriate imaging protocols and contrast agents, and scrubbing in to assist with the procedure. IR radiology technologists will at minimum, need the ARRT (R) certification, BLS, and at least 12 to 24 months of recent IR tech experience Some facilities may require the ARRT (VI) certification.

Cath lab radiology technologist

A travel cath lab tech is a radiology technologist with experience in the cardiac catheterization lab. They will manage the procedural imaging equipment, help position the patient properly, prepare medications according to physician instructions, scrub in to assist during procedures like coronary angioplasties and femoral angiography, and process images post-procedure. Some facilities may require travel cath lab radiology techs to have the ARRT (R) and the ARRT (CI) certifications. Less commonly, some require the Registered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist (RCIS) from  Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) . Most require at least 12 to 24 months of recent cath lab experience and BLS.

Browse mammography tech travel jobs

How to become a traveling radiology tech, 1. get a degree or complete an accredited program.

To become a traveling radiology technologist, the first step is to graduate from an accredited radiologic technologist program; either an associate's or bachelor's degree is acceptable. Technically, certification after graduation is not nationally mandated but is recommended as many healthcare facilities prefer their techs to be certified.

2. Get certified

The gold standard organization for certification is the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). Depending on the course of study in your degree program, you can qualify to test for a number of radiology certifications. The ARRT offers six different specialties that are considered primary pathways. The most common primary specialty is the ARRT (R).

• ARRT (MR)- Magnetic Resonance Imaging 
• ARRT (N)- Nuclear Medicine
• ARRT (T)- Radiation Therapy
• ARRT (R)- Radiographer 
• ARRT (S)- Sonography
• ARRT (VS)-Vascular Sonography

Aside from facility preference, individual states have licensing requirements that vary greatly; if you intend to work in a specific state, be sure to double check if additional testing and licensing are required. The American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) provides an ongoing  list of state requirements.

3. Expand your credentials

Travel radiology technologists can test for postprimary credentials with ARRT in order to learn new skills and expand their knowledge in other modalities. The post-primary specialties, with the exception of the ARRT(MR) and ARRT(VS), must be paired with an initial primary pathway certification.

• ARRT (BD)-Bone Densitometry
• ARRT (BS)-Breast Sonography
• ARRT (CI)- Cardiac Interventional Radiography
• ARRT (CT)-Computed Tomography
• ARRT (MR)-Magnetic Resonance Imaging
• ARRT (M)-Mammography
• ARRT (VI) -Vascular Interventional Radiography
• ARRT (VS)- Vascular Sonography

According to the AART, the purpose of certification is to provide greater credibility to the skills of a radiology technologist; it can also signal to future employers, state licensing agencies, and federal regulators that there is a commitment to providing high-quality care.

4. Get hands-on experience

After graduating from a degree program, obtaining proper licensure, and qualifying for any required state licenses, take a minimum of 12 months to two years to gain hands-on experience in whatever radiology specialty you’re licensed to practice under. It’s important to feel comfortable and confident with managing different modalities and imaging protocols before becoming a travel radiology technologist. 

Browse MRI tech travel jobs

Frequently asked questions about travel radiology tech careers, how much do traveling radiology techs make, where do traveling radiology techs make the most money, are travel radiology techs in high demand, browse interventional radiology tech travel jobs, travel radiology tech healthcare resources.

• American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. (n.d.). Home. Retrieved from https://www.arrt.org/
• American Society of Radiologic Technologists. (n.d.). Individual State Licensure. Retrieved from https://www.asrt.org/main/standards-and-regulations/legislation-regulations-and-advocacy/individual-state-licensure
• American Society of Radiologic Technologists. (n.d.). Home. Retrieved from https://www.asrt.org/
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2021, September 8). Radiologic and MRI Technologists. Retrieved from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/radiologic-technologists.htm
• Cardiovascular Credentialing International. (n.d.). Registered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist (RCIS). Retrieved from https://cci-online.org/credentials/registered-cardiovascular-invasive-specialist/

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Radiology Jobs

Find high-paying radiology jobs nationwide with Aya Healthcare and take your imaging career to the next level. Apply now.

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Access Radiology Jobs Nationwide

When you work with Aya, you get access to imaging jobs nationwide. Whether you want to find jobs across the country or close to home, we can help you achieve your career goals. Our travel, permanent and per diem radiology job opportunities will get you where you want to go.

Employment Types For Radiology Professionals

Browse radiology jobs in various settings.

Browse All Radiology Jobs

I have worked with a couple different companies since I started traveling, but working with Monica Hamilton and Aya Healthcare has made all of the stress melt away. She always makes the process seamless and ensures that I'm 100% happy with everything. Whether you're just starting out or have been traveling for years, I would recommend Monica to anyone! Dustin B. Radiology/Cardiology - CT Tech

Discover travel radiology jobs

Explore the country while you gain valuable clinical experience when you work a travel imaging job. From award winning healthcare systems to community hospitals making an impact in rural communities, we have opportunities around the country that provide diverse clinical experiences to expand your skillset.

Find a permanent radiology job

If you’re looking to settle down in one place, we have direct relationships with hospitals across the country and a dedicated team of recruiters ready to help you find your dream permanent imaging job. We make the process as streamlined as possible so you can secure your ideal job faster than if you applied on your own.

Explore per diem radiology job opportunities

Looking for local imaging jobs with a bit more flexibility? Working per diem allows you to pick up as many shifts as you want to supplement your income and create a schedule that fits your lifestyle. Find convenient shifts at hospitals and healthcare facilities near you to make an impact in your own community.

Elements of a radiology salary

Pay for imaging jobs varies based on factors like specialty, location and more. When weighing your options, it’s important to look at pay, but also the other aspects of a job such as cost of living, benefits offered and more, to get a better idea of what your total compensation will be. In your Aya account you’ll have access to full pay and location details. You can also discuss job details with your recruiter to review what benefits and stipends you’re eligible for so you can make an informed decision when choosing your next opportunity.

Radiology Jobs FAQs

I’m interested in more than travel positions. does aya offer a variety of radiology jobs.

No matter what your career goals are, Aya has job options to get you there. In addition to travel positions, we offer options close to home. If you’re looking for flexible scheduling, or just want to boost your income, per diem shifts are a great option. If you’d rather put down some roots at a hospital near you, we can help you find your dream permanent imaging job.

How can Aya Healthcare help me find the right radiology role for my skills and preferences?

With Aya, you get access to the most jobs in the industry, plus expert support from your dedicated recruiter. In your Aya account, you can filter your job search based on profession, specialty, location and more. You’ll also have access to full job details including pay, location and facility information, plus the skills and qualifications required for the job. Your recruiter is another great resource for finding jobs. They’ll listen to your career goals and recommend jobs that match your skills and preferences.

Aside from pay, what benefits does Aya offer for radiology jobs?

While pay is an important factor in choosing a job, it’s also important to note the benefits that come with a job as well. Some of the benefits that make up Aya’s compensation packages for eligible imaging jobs include comprehensive medical, dental and vision insurance plans, a 401(k) plan, accrued sick time and more. If you’re looking for a permanent imaging job, the benefits associated with your position will vary based on the facility where you’re hired. Your recruiter will review your benefits options with you.

I’m a new graduate looking for a radiology job. Can Aya help me find an entry-level position to gain clinical experience?

While most of our travel imaging jobs require at least one year of experience, Aya offers permanent positions for new graduate candidates. If you’re looking to start your imaging career at a leading healthcare system, Aya can help you secure your dream permanent job. You can talk to your recruiter to get more details on facilities hiring new grads for their perm positions.

What is the job outlook for radiology jobs?

Over the next decade, demand for many radiology jobs is expected to increase. Demand is projected to grow by 6 percent for radiologic and MRI technologists and 10 percent for diagnostic medical sonographers and cardiovascular technologists/technicians . Demand for nuclear medicine technologists is projected to remain the same.

What is the average salary for permanent radiology jobs?

Many factors make up permanent imaging job salaries, including specialty and location. According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for imaging professionals is $ 80,090 for radiologic and MRI technologists , $63,020 for diagnostic medical sonographers and cardiovascular technologists/technicians , and $85,300 for nuclear medicine technologists .

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RAYUS Travel Technologist Program

FIND YOUR TRAVEL TECH OPPORTUNITY TODAY

Have the best of both worlds with RAYUS Radiology!

We are looking for technologists interested in having the best of both worlds: doing the work you love AND exploring new and exciting places!

Travel Technologist work throughout the RAYUS nationwide network. They work alongside fellow RAYUS team members to ensure the delivery of timely and quality patient care. Most travel assignments are between 8-13 weeks in length depending on center needs.  With over 140 centers in 22 states you will be able to move from one exciting location to the next.

Brilliant Technology

RAYUS Radiology is the premier provider of high-quality radiology services such as MRI, Mammography, PET/CT scans, along with minimally invasive techniques like interventional and vascular services, plus injections and biopsies. This extensive range of services is offered through our growing national footprint with 140 centers spanning coast to coast.  We are committed to delivering clinical excellence, driven by our compassionate and safe care and superior service to referring providers and patients

• What qualities does a great travel technologist bring?
• What rewards do we provide?
• Excellent skills as a technologist
• Passion for patient care and customer service
• Strong teamwork skills
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• Opportunities available coast to coast
• Choice of full time, part-time and PRN positions
• Premium pay
• RAYUS benefits: medical, dental, vision, pet, legal, life, disability
• Paid time off: PTO, VTO and Float Holidays
• 401k with match and profit sharing
• Paid travel expenses
• Flights home for extended assignments
• Licensure fees paid for by RAYUS
• Working alongside teammates who share a passion for excellence!

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'ZDNET Recommends': What exactly does it mean?

ZDNET's recommendations are based on many hours of testing, research, and comparison shopping. We gather data from the best available sources, including vendor and retailer listings as well as other relevant and independent reviews sites. And we pore over customer reviews to find out what matters to real people who already own and use the products and services we’re assessing.

When you click through from our site to a retailer and buy a product or service, we may earn affiliate commissions. This helps support our work, but does not affect what we cover or how, and it does not affect the price you pay. Neither ZDNET nor the author are compensated for these independent reviews. Indeed, we follow strict guidelines that ensure our editorial content is never influenced by advertisers.

ZDNET's editorial team writes on behalf of you, our reader. Our goal is to deliver the most accurate information and the most knowledgeable advice possible in order to help you make smarter buying decisions on tech gear and a wide array of products and services. Our editors thoroughly review and fact-check every article to ensure that our content meets the highest standards. If we have made an error or published misleading information, we will correct or clarify the article. If you see inaccuracies in our content, please report the mistake via this form .

I fly 10 times a year. These 5 tech gadgets are lifesavers

As a tech journalist, I often travel across the US -- and sometimes out of it -- to attend product launch events, trade shows, and other briefings for news that readers care about. It certainly helps to be based in New York City, where most of the gadgetry madness tends to occur, but when I am out and about (for work or play), there's a bag full of tech that I always have with me.

My treasure trove of electronics has evolved over recent years, transitioning to newer GaN chargers and more capable yet still portable camera systems . The five picks below are among my current arsenal of travel tech. I'll make this a little more exciting for you by stating the obvious: My phone and a reliable Bluetooth tracker are always with me, so I've opted not to put them on this list. Instead, you'll find products I've personally tested that are useful enough for you to consider for your next adventure.

Also: The best travel gadgets of 2024  

DJI Osmo Pocket 3

While smartphone cameras have become very capable at capturing life's moments, I still prefer the enhanced stabilization and portability of a dedicated pocket camera, especially when I'm recording smooth-panning videos of product demos and scenery. The camera I've most recently settled on is the DJI Osmo Pocket 3, famous for its ability to record up to 4K resolution through a one-inch CMOS sensor. The output I've gotten has been reliable and impressive, both for vertical and horizontal footage, which can be set by physically swiveling the touchscreen viewfinder.

Does carrying an additional camera feel unnecessary? Not when the quality is noticeably better and it greatly reduces the battery consumption you'd otherwise put on your phone when recording videos. Reddit users who have used the Osmo Pocket 3 seem to agree, with the added benefits being better audio recording, improved video stabilization, and a larger sensor for more dramatic shots.

Also:  The best vlogging cameras of 2024

Lenovo Go Wireless Power Bank 10,000mAh

Lenovo's power bank may look unassuming, but trust me when I say there's more to it than what meets the eye. Besides having a 10,000mAh capacity, meaning there's enough juice to power a phone (and other accessories like earbuds) two to three times, a fairly long USB-C cable is built into the battery pack, saving you the hassle of carrying a separate one. 

Here's the second trick: the Lenovo Go can wirelessly charge Qi-supported devices when you place them on top of the accessory, allowing you to charge two devices at once (via wired and wireless) if you're feeling adventurous.

While the charge output is capped at 30W, many customers on Lenovo's website have found the power bank adequate for powering phones, tablets, and earbuds, and have been particularly satisfied with the built-in charging cable.

Also: The best power banks of 2024: Expert tested

Ayaneo Flip

I don't consider myself a hardcore gamer, but I've found traveling, especially when on long flights, to be the perfect opportunity to get my NBA 2K and Rocket League fix. Lately, my vehicle of choice for gaming has been the Ayaneo Flip, a Windows-powered handheld with Nintendo DS written all over it, from the dual touchscreen displays to the ergonomic shoulder triggers. Thanks to the OS and a capable AMD Ryzen 7 processor, I've been able to play Steam and Epic Games titles right on the device at medium to high graphic settings.

The big question mark with the Ayaneo Flip is its price point and availability, according to several interested Reddit users. With a starting price of $699, the Flip can best be justified by those who want a competent, on-the-go gaming handheld that can also be used for standard PC tasks like web browsing, streaming videos, and emailing. One of the Flip's most underrated features is the ability to output to a monitor or TV screen for a gaming experience more similar to standard consoles.

Also: Everything you need to create the ultimate gaming setup

Meta Ray-Ban Smart Glasses

While the Meta Ray-Ban smart glasses are fantastic for recording hands-free videos, I've found them more practical as a wearable tour guide. Thanks to recent Meta AI updates , the glasses can pull context from what's in front of you, whether it's a monument, statue, or restaurant storefront, and answer your most burning questions. I've used the smart glasses to identify unfamiliar landmarks, tell me the most popular food items at a local restaurant, play music from artists from the city that I've traveled to, and more.

The general sentiment toward the Meta Ray-Bans has been mostly positive, with Reddit users favoring the ease of use, comfort, and various capabilities. The price point of the glasses, starting at $299, is fairly competitive as well. 

Review: Meta Ray-Ban Smart Glasses: The best AI-powered AR glasses to buy right now

Nomad 130W Power Adapter

Besides carrying a portable battery pack, I also travel with Nomad's 130W Power Adapter, which fields multiple USB-C ports to charge up to three devices at once and a build quality that's shielded the rigors of my gadget-filled backpack. I'll admit: the charging brick is not light at 332 grams. However, at a similar size as Apple's MacBook charger, while being much more functional, the Nomad option has become a mainstay in my travel essentials.

Customers, including ZDNET's Adrian Kingsley-Hughes, have expressed satisfaction with Nomad's 130W Power Adapter, appreciating the speedy power delivery and support for three USB-C inputs. I especially recommend this charging adapter for users with larger, more energy-hungry laptops like the MacBook Pro or Dell XPS. For smaller devices like the MacBook Air, which only requires a 65W charge, I'd advise picking up one of Nomad's slimmer adapters for less money.

Also: Nomad's 130W charger has one unique feature that's game-changing for me

Why should you trust me?

When I'm not writing about technology, I'm probably working overtime as my family's IT support guy. And when I'm not working at all, I'm likely watching, reading, or consuming some form of content about technology. So when I make product recommendations, I suggest gadgets I've personally tested and have proven to deliver the value (if not more value) that manufacturers promise.

My main expertise is mobile, from phones to wearables to accessories, which plays hand-in-hand with the topic of this story. I also travel about 10 times throughout the year, including from New York to California, so I've developed an understanding of which gadgets are essential and which are optional.

How do you pack electronics for traveling?

When traveling, storing any devices with lithium-ion batteries, such as laptops, tablets, and power banks, in your carry-on baggage is best. If my gadgets aren't already stored in a tech pouch or cushioned bag, I'll surround them with clothing to prevent any damage during travel.

Other travel-friendly tech we think you'd love 

Zdnet recommends, these 4 tech gadgets are essentials for long commutes, the best drones you can buy: expert tested, amazon fire kids tablets are up to 36% off now, and they're perfect for summer travels.

Claudia Looi

Touring the Top 10 Moscow Metro Stations

By Claudia Looi 2 Comments

Komsomolskaya metro station looks like a museum. It has vaulted ceilings and baroque decor.

Hidden underground, in the heart of Moscow, are historical and architectural treasures of Russia. These are Soviet-era creations – the metro stations of Moscow.

Our guide Maria introduced these elaborate metro stations as “the palaces for the people.” Built between 1937 and 1955, each station holds its own history and stories. Stalin had the idea of building beautiful underground spaces that the masses could enjoy. They would look like museums, art centers, concert halls, palaces and churches. Each would have a different theme. None would be alike.

The two-hour private tour was with a former Intourist tour guide named Maria. Maria lived in Moscow all her life and through the communist era of 60s to 90s. She has been a tour guide for more than 30 years. Being in her 60s, she moved rather quickly for her age. We traveled and crammed with Maria and other Muscovites on the metro to visit 10 different metro stations.

Arrow showing the direction of metro line 1 and 2

Moscow subways are very clean

To Maria, every street, metro and building told a story. I couldn’t keep up with her stories. I don’t remember most of what she said because I was just thrilled being in Moscow.   Added to that, she spilled out so many Russian words and names, which to one who can’t read Cyrillic, sounded so foreign and could be easily forgotten.

The metro tour was the first part of our all day tour of Moscow with Maria. Here are the stations we visited:

1. Komsomolskaya Metro Station  is the most beautiful of them all. Painted yellow and decorated with chandeliers, gold leaves and semi precious stones, the station looks like a stately museum. And possibly decorated like a palace. I saw Komsomolskaya first, before the rest of the stations upon arrival in Moscow by train from St. Petersburg.

2. Revolution Square Metro Station (Ploshchad Revolyutsii) has marble arches and 72 bronze sculptures designed by Alexey Dushkin. The marble arches are flanked by the bronze sculptures. If you look closely you will see passersby touching the bronze dog's nose. Legend has it that good luck comes to those who touch the dog's nose.

Touch the dog's nose for good luck. At the Revolution Square station

Revolution Square Metro Station

3. Arbatskaya Metro Station served as a shelter during the Soviet-era. It is one of the largest and the deepest metro stations in Moscow.

Arbatskaya Metro Station

4. Biblioteka Imeni Lenina Metro Station was built in 1935 and named after the Russian State Library. It is located near the library and has a big mosaic portrait of Lenin and yellow ceramic tiles on the track walls.

Lenin's portrait at the Biblioteka Imeni Lenina Metro Station

5. Kievskaya Metro Station was one of the first to be completed in Moscow. Named after the capital city of Ukraine by Kiev-born, Nikita Khruschev, Stalin's successor.

Kievskaya Metro Station

6. Novoslobodskaya Metro Station  was built in 1952. It has 32 stained glass murals with brass borders.

Novoslobodskaya metro station

7. Kurskaya Metro Station was one of the first few to be built in Moscow in 1938. It has ceiling panels and artwork showing Soviet leadership, Soviet lifestyle and political power. It has a dome with patriotic slogans decorated with red stars representing the Soviet's World War II Hall of Fame. Kurskaya Metro Station is a must-visit station in Moscow.

Ceiling panel and artworks at Kurskaya Metro Station

8. Mayakovskaya Metro Station built in 1938. It was named after Russian poet Vladmir Mayakovsky. This is one of the most beautiful metro stations in the world with 34 mosaics painted by Alexander Deyneka.

Mayakovskaya station

One of the over 30 ceiling mosaics in Mayakovskaya metro station

9. Belorusskaya Metro Station is named after the people of Belarus. In the picture below, there are statues of 3 members of the Partisan Resistance in Belarus during World War II. The statues were sculpted by Sergei Orlov, S. Rabinovich and I. Slonim.

10. Teatralnaya Metro Station (Theatre Metro Station) is located near the Bolshoi Theatre.

Teatralnaya Metro Station decorated with porcelain figures .

Taking the metro's escalator at the end of the tour with Maria the tour guide.

Have you visited the Moscow Metro? Leave your comment below.

January 15, 2017 at 8:17 am

An excellent read! Thanks for much for sharing the Russian metro system with us. We're heading to Moscow in April and exploring the metro stations were on our list and after reading your post, I'm even more excited to go visit them. Thanks again 🙂

December 6, 2017 at 10:45 pm

Hi, do you remember which tour company you contacted for this tour?

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A mysterious object has been spotted that's 10 million times as bright as the sun. Scientists can't work out why it hasn't exploded.

• Ultraluminous X-ray sources are objects that shine 10 million times as bright as the sun. 
• Scientists have said they are too bright to exist, as they break the Eddington limit.
• A new study confirmed the brightness of a ULX — leaving the mystery of how it exists unsolved. 

Scientists have been left baffled by a mysterious celestial object so bright that physics dictates it should have exploded. 

NASA has been tracking so-called ultraluminous X-ray sources , objects that can be 10 million times as bright as the sun, to understand how they work. 

These objects are impossible in theory because they break the Eddington limit, a rule of astrophysics that dictates an object can be only so bright before it breaks apart. 

A new study categorically confirms that M82 X-2, a ULX 12 million light-years away, is as bright as previous observation suggested.

But the question remains: How can it exist? 

Objects that luminous should push matter away

The principle behind Arthur Eddington's rule is simple. Brightness on this scale comes only from material — like stardust of remnants of disintegrating planets — that falls inward toward a massive object , such as a black hole or a dead star. 

As it's pulled by the object's intense gravity, the material heats up and radiates light. The more matter that falls toward the object, the brighter it is. But there's a catch.

Related stories

At a certain point, so much matter is being pulled in that the radiation it's emitting should be able to overwhelm the power of the gravity from the massive object. That means at some point, the radiation from the matter should push it away, and it should stop falling in.

But if it's not falling in, the matter shouldn't be radiating, which means the object shouldn't be that bright. Hence the Eddington limit.

M82 X-2 is achieving the impossible

Because of the Eddington limit, scientists have questioned whether the ULX's brightness was indeed caused by enormous amounts of material falling into it.

One theory, for instance, is that strong cosmic winds concentrated all the material into a cone. In this theory, the cone would be pointed toward Earth, which would create a beam of light that would look much brighter to us than if the material was scattered evenly around the ULX. 

But a new study looking at M82 X-2, a ULX caused by a pulsating neutron star in the Messier 82 galaxy, put the cone theory to rest. 

(A neutron star is a superdense object left behind when a star has run out of energy and dies.)

The analysis, published in The Astrophysical Journal in April, found that M82 X-2 pulled in about 9 billion trillion tons of material per year from a neighboring star, or about 1.5 times the mass of Earth, a NASA statement said. 

That means the brightness of this ULX is caused by limit-breaking amounts of material.

Superstrong magnetic fields may squish atoms into submission

Given this information, another explanation has become the leading theory to explain ULXs. And it's even more bizarre.

In this theory, superstrong magnetic fields shoot out of the neutron star. These would be so strong that they would squish the atoms of the matter falling into the star, turning the shape of these atoms from a sphere into an elongated string, NASA's statement said.

In this case, the radiation coming from these squished atoms would have a harder time pushing the matter away, explaining why so much matter could fall into the star without breaking apart. 

The problem is that we'll never be able to test this theory on Earth. These theoretical magnetic fields would have to be so strong that no magnet on Earth could reproduce them.

"This is the beauty of astronomy. Observing the sky, we expand our ability to investigate how the universe works. On the other hand, we cannot really set up experiments to get quick answers," Matteo Bachetti, an author on the study and astrophysicist with Italy's National Institute for Astrophysics' Cagliari Observatory, said in NASA's statement.

"We have to wait for the universe to show us its secrets," he said. 

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