EUCLID Telescope

Subject : Science and Tech

Section: Space technology

Context: Euclid mission for investigating dark matter & dark energy shares its first images

Some facts about Euclid Space Telescope:

It derives its name from the Greek mathematician Euclid of Alexandria.
This mission was part of ESA’s Cosmic Vision programme, aimed at exploring the origin and components of the Universe and the fundamental laws that govern it.
The spacecraft was equipped with a 1.2-metre-wide telescope and two instruments:
- A visible-wavelength camera (the VISible instrument): It sought tiny distortions in the shapes of distant galaxies from different points in time to highlight the interplay between the pull of gravity and the push of dark energy.
- A near-infrared camera/spectrometer (the Near-Infrared Spectrometer and Photometer): It observed how quickly galaxies were moving away from each other, providing scientists with insights into both dark energy and the workings of gravity.
The detectors of the near-infrared instruments were supplied by NASA, making the American agency an integral part of the Euclid Consortium.
It orbited 1.5 million kilometres above the Earth, and the telescope aimed to capture images at least four times sharper than ground-based ones.
The spacecraft had dimensions of approximately 4.7 metres in height and 3.7 metres in diameter.
It was launched atop a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket
It will remain operational for a minimum of six years.”

Comparison between Euclid Telescope and James Webb Space Telescope

While the Euclid Telescope and the James Webb Space Telescope pursue distinct objectives, their missions complement each other, offering a more holistic comprehension of the universe.
Euclid’s emphasis on dark energy and dark matter will furnish crucial insights into the fundamental forces governing the universe’s expansion. Simultaneously, the JWST’s exploration of the early universe and exoplanets will illuminate the origins of celestial objects and the potential for extraterrestrial life.
Euclid’s precise measurements of galaxy shapes and redshifts will unveil the distribution and evolution of dark matter. Meanwhile, the JWST’s observations of distant galaxies and protoplanetary disks will deepen our knowledge of star formation and galaxy evolution.
Both telescopes contribute to understanding cosmic structures, offering crucial insights into dark matter distribution, star formation, and galaxy evolution. Together, they push scientific boundaries, uncovering the universe’s mysteries and inspiring future exploration.