In a groundbreaking mission, the European Space Agency’s Euclid telescope has taken the first step towards constructing the largest 3D map of the universe. Launched in July 2023, Euclid is poised to unravel the mysteries of the cosmos by capturing images of billions of galaxies and stars.
The Euclid telescope has captured a breathtaking mosaic of the cosmos, showcasing millions of stars and galaxies. This initial piece, comprising 208 gigapixels from 260 observations, is a glimpse into the potential of this ambitious project. This mosaic was unveiled on October 15 at the International Astronautical Congress in Milan.
This ‘galactic cirrus,’ as astronomers call it, consists of gas and dust, faintly detectable by Euclid’s visible light camera. The telescope began its regular observations in February and has since completed 12% of its survey.
During its observations, Euclid will catalogue 1.5 billion galaxies, assessing their mass and star formation rates. It offers a promising glimpse into how the universe has evolved over time, with the potential to reshape our understanding of cosmic forces.
Mike Seiffert from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory noted that Euclid’s images highlight an impressive range in physical scale, from star clusters to vast cosmic structures.
Euclid’s observations will span up to 10 billion light-years, capturing the universe’s history over this extensive period.
Euclid’s mission encapsulates an era of exploration aimed at uncovering the unseen aspects of the universe, from dark matter to the elusive forces shaping cosmic events.
The Euclid telescope’s mission marks a pivotal step towards constructing the most detailed 3D map of the universe. This groundbreaking endeavour not only enriches our understanding of the cosmos but also paves the way for future astronomical discoveries.
As Euclid continues its mission to map the cosmos, it holds the promise of unveiling the universe’s most profound mysteries. This journey is set to expand the horizons of cosmic knowledge and bring clarity to the enigmatic forces that govern the universe.
