Euclid's scientific journey takes a remarkable step forward as its two instruments unveil their first captivating test images. These mesmerizing results validate the space telescope's capabilities for its designed objectives and hint at the potential for even greater discoveries.
While the true new view of the cosmos from Euclid is still months away, this milestone instills confidence in the mission's scientists and engineers, assuring that the telescope and instruments are functioning optimally, according to the European Space Agency (ESA).
Euclid's VISible instrument
Euclid's project manager Giuseppe Racca expressed his excitement after over a decade of designing and developing the telescope. He found it exhilarating to witness the first images, recognizing that what they see now is just a glimpse of the billions of galaxies that the fully calibrated Euclid will observe, creating the largest-ever 3D map of the sky.
ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher commended the Euclid team's achievements and anticipated the mission's potential to unveil new insights about the vast unknowns that make up 95% of the universe.
Euclid's VISible instrument (VIS) stands at the forefront of this ambitious scientific pursuit. Designed to capture super-sharp images of billions of galaxies and measure their shapes, VIS has already provided a glimpse of the bounty it holds.
While some galaxies are clearly visible, many others remain obscured like fuzzy blobs, waiting to be unveiled by Euclid in the future. The image's intricate details cover just a fraction of the full moon's width and height. The photos become even more remarkable, considering the initial challenge faced by the Euclid team upon activating the instrument.
They detected an unexpected pattern of light contamination, which raised concerns about sunlight entering the spacecraft through a tiny gap. However, the team successfully overcame it by avoiding specific angles, ensuring that VIS could accomplish its mission without hindrance.
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Euclid's Near-Infrared Spectrometer and Photometer
Euclid's Near-Infrared Spectrometer and Photometer (NISP) play a vital role in capturing images of galaxies in infrared light and measuring their emitted light at various wavelengths.
This essential function enables scientists to determine the distance to each galaxy, which led to the creation of a comprehensive 3D map of the universe. The resulting map is expected to provide invaluable insights into the enigmas of dark matter and dark energy.
As the Euclid journey continues, these test images serve as early previews, primarily used for instrument calibration and spacecraft refinement. Over the next few months, rigorous testing and adjustments will ensure Euclid operates optimally.
Following this phase, true scientific exploration commences, and ESA will unveil a new collection of images to demonstrate Euclid's complete potential in unraveling the mysteries of dark matter and the vast cosmos beyond.
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