Chandra X-ray Observatory arcsecond imaging of the young, oxygen-rich supernova remnant 1E 0102.2-7219

We present observations of the young, oxygen-rich supernova remnant 1E 0102 .2-7219 taken by the Chandra X-Ray Observatory during its orbital activatio n and checkout phase. The boundary of the blast-wave shock is clearly seen for the first time, allowing the diameter of the remnant and the mean blast -wave velocity to be determined accurately. The prominent X-ray bright ring of material may be the result of the reverse shock encountering ejecta; th e radial variation of O VII versus O VIII emission indicates an ionizing sh ock propagating inward, possibly through a strong density gradient in the e jecta. We compare the X-ray emission with Australia Telescope Compact Array 6 cm radio observations (Amy & Ball) and with archival Hubble Space Telesc ope [O III] observations. The ring of radio emission is predominantly inwar d of the outer blast wave, which is consistent with an interpretation of sy nchrotron radiation originating behind the blast wave but outward of the br ight X-ray ring of emission. Many (but not all) of the prominent optical fi laments are seen to correspond to X-ray bright regions. We obtain an upper limit of similar to 9 x 10(33) ergs s(-1) (3 sigma) on any potential pulsar X-ray emission from the central region.