Paris, France – The European Space Agency revealed five new images captured by the Euclid space telescope, shedding light on the mysteries of the cosmos. These new images are part of Euclid’s effort to investigate the enigmatic elements of the universe, dark energy and dark matter, collectively known as the “dark universe.”
Launched from Cape Canaveral in Florida atop a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket in July 2023, Euclid is equipped with a wide-angle space telescope carrying a 600-megapixel camera to observe the cosmos in visible light. Its mission includes studying the redshift of galaxies, helping scientists understand the speed at which distant galaxies are moving away from Earth.
Dark energy, making up around 68% of the universe’s energy and matter budget, is believed to be responsible for the universe’s accelerating expansion, while dark matter, comprising about 27%, remains invisible as it does not interact with light. Euclid’s ability to capture detailed images of galaxies aids in unraveling the effects of dark energy and dark matter on the evolution of the universe.
The latest batch of Euclid images includes stunning snapshots of galaxies such as the Perseus Cluster and IC 342, providing insight into the distribution of dark matter and the expansion of the universe. Additionally, the telescope’s observations extend to globular clusters like NGC 6397, showcasing the diversity and beauty of celestial structures within the cosmos.
By creating a detailed 3D map of the universe and observing galaxies up to 10 billion light-years away, Euclid aims to piece together the early history of the universe, shedding light on the formation and evolution of galaxies over billions of years. Furthermore, the telescope’s ability to capture images with such precision and clarity in a short amount of time paves the way for more discoveries and insights into the dark corners of the universe.
With each image released by Euclid, astronomers and space enthusiasts eagerly anticipate new revelations and discoveries that will enhance our understanding of the universe. As the telescope continues its mission, there is great anticipation for the groundbreaking insights and breathtaking images that Euclid will unveil in the near future.