{"id":31531,"date":"2023-08-01T12:58:25","date_gmt":"2023-08-01T10:58:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sciencefocus.com\/?p=150047"},"modified":"2023-08-01T13:38:33","modified_gmt":"2023-08-01T11:38:33","slug":"in-pictures-euclid-sends-back-first-test-images","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbcsciencefocus\/rss_feed\/in-pictures-euclid-sends-back-first-test-images\/","title":{"rendered":"In Pictures: Euclid sends back first test images"},"content":{"rendered":"

Euclid sends back its first images ahead of producing a 3D map of the Universe. <\/p>

By James Cutmore\n \t\t<\/p>

Published: Tuesday, 01 August 2023 at 10:58 AM<\/p>

\n\n

The first test images produced by ESA\u2019s Euclid probe are here and hint at the amazing power of the imaging power on board.<\/p>\n

These test images are simply just that \u2013 future images will be even more detailed and much sharper and cleaner.<\/p>\n

The Euclid Telescope has been built and designed by ESA<\/a> and the Euclid Consortium to explore the evolution of the dark universe, discovering how it formed and expanded over time.<\/p>\n

In order to do this, it has been fitted with a 1.2m-diameter telescope, visible-wavelength camera, and near-infrared camera\/spectrometer. Using these instruments, Euclid will build a detailed 3D map of the Universe \u2013 the third dimension being time.<\/p>\n

During its mission, Euclid aims to answer some pretty big questions, such as if the expansion of our Universe is uniform or whether it changes over time. And whether or not our understanding of gravity is complete and accurate.<\/p>\n

The Near-Infrared camera<\/h2>\n
\"This<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
This raw image was taken by Euclid\u2019s Near-Infrared Spectrometer and Photometer. Photo by ESA\/Euclid Consortium\/NASA<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

One of the images released shows spiral and elliptical galaxies, nearby and distant stars, star clusters, and cosmic rays as they shoot across space.<\/p>\n

This image was taken to test the camera once Euclid came online. Once the instruments are fully configured, future images will show these stars and galaxies in much more detail and with much sharper quality.<\/p>\n

Using the visible instruments<\/h2>\n
\"Euclid\u2019s<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
A picture of deep space taken by Euclid\u2019s VISible instrument (VIS). Photo by ESA\/Euclid Consortium\/NASA<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

This second image was taken with the VISible instrument (VIS) and shows the Universe in visible light. This is just one section from the 38 detectors onboard Euclid.<\/p>\n

Producing a map of the universe<\/h2>\n
\"Stars<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
The full field of view for Euclid\u2019s VISible instrument (VIS). Photo by ESA\/Euclid Consortium\/NASA<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

Starting to see galaxies and stars<\/h2>\n
\"Stars<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
This raw image was taken using the Near-Infrared Spectrometer and Photometer. Photo by ESA\/Euclid Consortium\/NASA<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

Launch of Euclid<\/h2>\n
\"Rocket<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
Euclid lifts off from Cape Canaveral on board a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. Photo by SpaceX<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

Euclid was launched by ESA and the Euclid Consortium on 1 July 2023 from Cape Canaveral in Florida, USA, on board a SpaceX Falcon 9 launch vehicle.<\/p>\n

The Euclid Probe<\/h2>\n
\"Satellite<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
An artist\u2019s impression of Euclid in space. Photo by ESA<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

The spacecraft is named after the Greek mathematician Euclid of Alexandria, who lived in ancient Greece at around 300 BC. He is believed to be the father of geometry, therefore the mission was named in his honour.<\/p>\n

Read more:<\/strong><\/p>\n