Euclid Space Telescope Successfully Regains Sight After Ice-Related Incident
The Euclid Space Telescope, on a mission to search for dark matter in the universe, recently faced a setback when a thin layer of ice formed on its mirror, rendering it “blind.” However, thanks to a meticulous heating method employed by the mission team, the telescope has successfully regained its sight and resumed its important work.
The operational Euclid Space Telescope has the task of mapping the large-scale distribution structure and properties of dark matter in the universe. With the ability to observe billions of galaxies within 10 billion light-years and take 30,000 images over a six-year mission, the telescope plays a crucial role in advancing our understanding of the cosmos.
Last year, the telescope returned its first five scientific images, showcasing impressive celestial sights such as the Perseus Galaxy Cluster and the Horsehead Nebula. However, the European Space Agency team soon noticed a decrease in the amount of light being captured by the telescope, indicating a technical issue with the mirror.
Upon further investigation, it was discovered that the mirror had accumulated a thin layer of frozen water molecules, obstructing its vision much like fog on a pair of glasses. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, the team sent a heating command from Earth to de-ice the mirror.
The ESA recently confirmed that the heating operation was successful, with the mirror temperature rising significantly and the amount of starlight collected by the telescope increasing by 15%. While there is still a risk of future icing incidents, the team is prepared to deploy further de-icing measures if necessary.
The Euclid Space Telescope continues its important mission of unraveling the mysteries of dark matter, thanks to the dedication and ingenuity of the mission team. Stay updated on all the latest space and technology news by following the official LINE account of “Science and Technology News.”