Chandra X-ray detection of the radio hot spots of 3C 295

An observation of the radio galaxy 3C 295 during the calibration phase of t he Chandra X-Ray Observatory reveals X-ray emission from the core of the ga laxy, from each of the two prominent radio hot spots, and from the previous ly known cluster gas. We discuss the possible emission processes for the ho t spots and argue that a synchrotron self-Compton (SSC) model is preferred for most or all of the observed X-ray emission. SSC models with near-equipa rtition fields thus explain the X-ray emission from the hot spots in the tw o highest surface brightness FR II radio galaxies, Cygnus A and 3C 295. Thi s lends weight to the assumption of equipartition and suggests that relativ istic protons do not dominate the particle energy density.