University Of Edinburgh Astronomers Contribute To Satellite Exploring Mysteries Of The Dark Universe
Edinburgh astronomers have played a key role in preparing the satellite – known as Euclid – for its six-year space exploration that could revolutionise scientists’ understanding of the cosmos.
From its final position one million miles from earth, Euclid’s powerful two-tonne telescope will examine around 1.5 billion galaxies, across one third of the sky – creating the largest and most accurate 3D map of the Universe ever produced.
The mission will also gather specific scientific data that researchers will use in attempts to solve two of the biggest mysteries in the Universe: dark matter and dark energy.
Dark forces
Unlike normal matter, dark matter does not reflect or emit light. However, it is thought to make up around 80 per cent of all the mass in the Universe and binds galaxies together.
Dark energy is a mysterious new phenomenon that is pushing galaxies away from each other and causing the expansion of the Universe to accelerate. It appears to drive cosmic objects apart at an increasingly rapid rate rather than drawing them together as gravity does, experts say.
Euclid assembly
International mission
Led by the European Space Agency and a consortium of 2,000 scientists from 16 countries, Euclid will use two scientific instruments to carry out its research.
A UK-built optical imager (VIS), one of the largest cameras sent into space and capable of measuring gravitational lensing distortions, and a near infrared spectrometer and camera, developed in France.
Euclid4
Research focus
Astronomers from the University’s School of Physics and Astronomy will lead on two key research areas including Euclid’s gravitational lensing data analysis. Gravitational lensing produces minute changes in the images of galaxies which can be used to map out the distribution of dark matter in space and how it has evolved over cosmic time.
Edinburgh is also hosting Euclid’s UK Science Data Centre, which will process huge amounts of data gathered throughout the mission for teams of scientists worldwide.
Rocket launch
Euclid took off on board a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral in Florida at 4.12pm on 1 July, 2023.
As well as aiming to answer some of science’s most fundamental questions about the nature of the Universe, Euclid is set to revolutionise studies across all astronomy – providing a lasting legacy and database for professional astronomers and the public to explore.
This is a very exciting time for astronomy, and cosmology in particular. Euclid is designed to answer some of the biggest questions we have about the Universe. It has been a lot of hard work by many scientists to get here, but the results could change how we understand Nature.
Professor Andy Taylor
Project lead- Gravitational lensing data analysis, School of Physics and Astronomy
With the launch of Euclid begins an astronomical observing campaign that is amongst the most ambitious ever attempted. By imaging over a billion galaxies, Euclid will allow us to make a map of dark matter with unprecedented precision that will answer fundamental questions about our Universe. The next few years are going to be very exciting, and it is a privilege to be part of this incredible project.
Dr Alex Hall
Deputy lead of the Gravitational Lensing Science Working Group, School of Physics and Astronomy
Watching the launch of Euclid, I feel inspired by the years of hard work from thousands of people that go into space science missions, and the fundamental importance of discovery – how we set out to understand and explore the Universe. The UK Space Agency’s £37 million investment in Euclid has supported world-class science on this journey, from the development of the ground segment to the build of the crucial visible imager instrument, which will help humanity begin to uncover the mysteries of dark matter and dark energy.
Dr Paul Bate
Chief Executive, UK Space Agency