Connect with us

Published

2 hours ago

on

The Euclid space telescope, launched by the European Space Agency (ESA), recently captured its first breathtaking images, presenting a mosaic that includes over 14 million galaxies. This monumental achievement is part of Euclid’s mission to create a comprehensive cosmic atlas, aiming to illuminate the mysteries of dark matter and dark energy.

Unprecedented Scale

Carole Mundell, ESA’s director of science, emphasised the vastness of the images, stating that representing them at full resolution would require over 16,000 4K TV screens. This initial mosaic, comprising 260 images, covers an area of the southern sky about 500 times the size of the full moon. Despite being just 1 percent of the final cosmic map, it showcases the telescope’s capabilities and the profound implications for our understanding of the universe.

Scientific Insights

The images reveal fascinating phenomena, including the galactic cirrus—dust and gas from the Milky Way—and interactions between galaxies located hundreds of millions of light years away. The Euclid telescope will autonomously scan a third of the night sky over the next six years, ultimately expected to unveil around 8 billion galaxies. The data collected will enable researchers to investigate the cosmic web—the distribution of matter across the universe—while measuring the effects of gravity on light.

Exploring the Dark Universe

Through its advanced observational capabilities, the Euclid telescope will provide unprecedented insights into dark matter and dark energy, which are crucial to understanding the universe’s expansion. The data collected will allow scientists to explore how these elusive elements shape the cosmos, as they affect the formation of voids between galaxy clusters.

A New Perspective on the Universe

As the Euclid mission progresses, researchers anticipate significant advancements in our comprehension of the fundamental laws of physics. By examining the universe on such a grand scale, scientists aim to test existing theories and potentially develop new models to explain the complex structure of our cosmos.

(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

Related Topics:
Continue Reading

Science

No Doomsday Asteroids in Taurid Meteor Stream, Says Study

Published

2 hours ago

on

October 17, 2024

By

No Doomsday Asteroids in Taurid Meteor Stream, Says Study

The Taurid Meteoroid Complex, once feared for possibly hiding large, civilisation-destroying asteroids, has been found to be less threatening than originally believed. Quanzhi Ye, an astronomer at the University of Maryland, and his team conducted an extensive survey using the Zwicky Transient Facility at California’s Palomar Observatory. Their findings suggest the risk of being struck by a large asteroid within this debris stream is significantly lower than previously thought. Ye emphasised this is promising news for planetary defence, as initial concerns were higher.

What is the Taurid Meteoroid Complex?

The Taurid Complex is a vast stream of dust, rocks, comets, and asteroids left behind by Comet 2P/Encke, a short-period comet that completes its orbit around the sun every 3.3 years. This debris field is responsible for meteor showers, particularly the Southern Taurids on November 5 and the Northern Taurids on November 12. Although most particles in these showers are small, there were fears that larger, undiscovered objects could pose a serious threat.

Reduced Threat of Large Asteroids

Ye’s team, however, concluded that only around nine to 14 kilometre-sized objects exist within the Taurid Complex. These findings challenge previous concerns that the stream could hide objects capable of causing global destruction. The origin of the Taurid Complex remains debated, with studies indicating a possible break-up of a larger comet thousands of years ago.

Conclusion: Taurid Complex and Planetary Defence

Although Ye’s findings are reassuring, he urges that vigilance is still necessary. While this particular debris stream may not harbour major threats, the risk of asteroid impacts remains a valid concern for Earth. Nonetheless, for now, the Taurid Complex doesn’t seem to hold any hidden dangers, and any objects present are on well-tracked orbits that do not currently threaten our planet.

For the latest tech news and reviews, follow Gadgets 360 on X, Facebook, WhatsApp, Threads and Google News. For the latest videos on gadgets and tech, subscribe to our YouTube channel. If you want to know everything about top influencers, follow our in-house Who’sThat360 on Instagram and YouTube.


Sonos Arc Ultra Soundbar and Sub 4 Subwoofer Launched: Specifications, Price



October Pixel Drop Brings New Features and Updates to Pixel Phones, Tablet and Watch

Continue Reading

Science

MIT’s 3D-Printed Logic Gates Could Revolutionise Active Electronics

Published

2 hours ago

on

October 17, 2024

By

MIT’s 3D-Printed Logic Gates Could Revolutionise Active Electronics

Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have made a groundbreaking advancement in 3D printing active electronics without the need for traditional semiconductor materials. This breakthrough involves creating 3D-printed logic gates, fundamental components used in processing tasks within electronic devices. Instead of relying on conventional manufacturing processes, these logic gates were produced using standard 3D printing techniques and a biodegradable polymer. This step brings the concept of fully 3D-printed electronics closer to reality, offering exciting possibilities for accessible and decentralised electronics production.

Semiconductor-Free Logic Gates

MIT’s research team, led by Luis Fernando Velásquez-García from the Microsystems Technology Laboratories, has developed logic gates using a copper-doped polymer, avoiding the use of traditional semiconductors like silicon. These gates perform basic switching operations, similar to how silicon-based transistors function in everyday electronics. While these 3D-printed components are not yet on par with silicon transistors in terms of performance, they can be effectively used for less complex operations, such as controlling the speed of a motor.

The innovation lies in the ability to 3D print these devices using inexpensive, eco-friendly materials, potentially allowing electronics to be manufactured in a more sustainable and affordable manner. The idea is to democratise production, enabling individuals, businesses, and small labs to print their own devices.

The Future of Fully Printed Electronics

Despite the current limitations, such as the inability to miniaturise these components to the nanoscale level of traditional transistors, the potential of 3D-printed logic gates is immense. MIT’s research team is already exploring further developments to create more complex circuits and eventually fully functional 3D-printed devices.

This technology, if perfected, could revolutionise the way electronic devices are manufactured, making it possible to print active devices without the need for expensive, large-scale facilities. The implications for industries ranging from consumer electronics to healthcare and beyond could be vast, as this innovation brings down the cost and complexity of device production.

Continue Reading

Science

China Reveals Plan for Lunar Base to Explore Habitable Planets

Published

2 hours ago

on

October 17, 2024

By

China Reveals Plan for Lunar Base to Explore Habitable Planets

China has revealed ambitious plans to build a lunar space station and explore the possibility of habitable planets as part of its long-term space programme. On Tuesday, China’s space authorities announced a comprehensive development plan that will run from 2024 to 2050, with the intention of launching a manned lunar mission in the near future. This announcement marks a significant step in China’s space exploration efforts, focusing on advancing scientific understanding of the solar system and investigating the potential for extraterrestrial life.

Lunar Space Station and Mission Timeline

According to the China Academy of Sciences (CAS) Vice President, Ding Chibiao, the lunar space station will be constructed in phases, with completion expected between 2028 and 2035. The space station will serve as a vital base for future exploration missions, allowing scientists to conduct research on celestial bodies within the solar system. This initiative follows China’s previous successes, including the operation of the Tiangong space station and the Chang’e lunar exploration programme, which has already provided valuable data on the Moon’s surface.

Exploration of Celestial Bodies and Habitability

As part of this programme, China’s space agencies, including the CAS and the China Manned Space Agency, have identified 17 key research areas. These priorities focus on studying the habitability of celestial bodies in the solar system, searching for exoplanets, and exploring extraterrestrial life. Ding Chibiao emphasised the importance of these investigations, noting that they aim to uncover the physical characteristics of planets and atmospheres that may support life, while also delving into the evolution of the universe itself.

Focus on Cosmic Phenomena

In addition to lunar exploration, China‘s plan includes broader investigations into the universe’s origins, gravitational waves, and cosmic matter. Research will also cover the Sun and the Earth’s cyclical systems, allowing for a more detailed understanding of space weather and the dynamic interactions between Earth and the heliosphere. China aims to be at the forefront of space science by 2050, contributing to global knowledge of both our planet and the cosmos.

Continue Reading

Trending