Will we, one day, have solved all the mysteries of the Universe? If we are to be realistic, it is surely likely not. But nothing stops us from getting as close as possible to the answers we are waiting for. The next building block is, again, a space telescope. Because what's better to solve a problem, well several, than to have eyes on it. In the coming years, the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope will be launched and will offer us a new look at the strangeness of the cosmos.
Recently, the astronomical telescope received its “eye”.
A field of vision 100 times greater than that of Hubble
In 1990, Hubble represented a revolution in terms of space observations. For 34 years, he has continued to offer us magnificent images, in addition to participating in numerous cosmological discoveries. Today, the first space telescope in history is starting to get old and its retirement is not far away.
In this sense, the most prominent space telescope of recent years, James Webb was therefore launched to take over. But to unravel the mysteries of the Universe, you might as well have as many eyes as possible, on Earth, but also up there. This is why NASA is actively working on the development of their future technological gem: the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope.
The latter, having a field of vision 100 times greater than that of the aging Hubbleaccording to Cnes, will certainly offer us a particularly exciting look at the Universe. We will be able to see more things, discover more and therefore answer more questions.
The space telescope Nancy Grace Roman continues to be established
Paying tribute to the American astronomer Nancy Grace Romanfirst female executive at NASA and “mother of Hubble”, the future American space telescope will allow us to answer the questions we ask ourselves about dark energy and exoplanets. The two main areas in which the “Roman” will be used.
In mid-November 2024, an important stage of its construction was completed. Indeed, the space telescope has finally received its eye which it will place on the Universe: theOptical Telescope Assembly.
A capital structure composed of:
- a mirror 2.4 meters in diameter
- nine other additional mirrors
- several electronic instruments that will enable future observations.
And for now, the results are conclusive Goddard Space Flight Centerwhere the space telescope is being mounted.
“We have a best-in-class telescope that is well aligned and has excellent optical performance at the cold temperatures it will encounter in space” rejoiced Bente Eegholm, responsible for assembling theOptical Telescope Assemblyin a NASA press release.
When will the Roman ?
Obviously, when we think that we will soon be able to have a new look at the Universe, the question we cannot help but ask is: “when?”. For now, the date announced by NASA refers to 2027.
Without further details, of course. However, as we know, a space calendar is not necessarily the most accurate, especially when we are talking about such a mission which will have required work and a lot of money.
In an optimistic mood, we can say to ourselves that we only have three short years to wait!
Source : Space
