The European Space Agency (ESA) has released images from Euclid, its new space telescope. The Euclid's objective is to gain better insights into how the universe has evolved since its inception. According to Koen Kuijken, a professor of galactic astronomy at Leiden University, Euclid is a wide-field telescope, distinguishing itself from others.
Astronomer Lucas Ellerbroek from Radboud University adds that Euclid not only provides a clearer image than its predecessors but is also unique in mapping the entire network of galaxies. While Hubble and James Webb only cover small portions of the universe, Euclid reveals the structures present, offering a view of the complete picture rather than just a fragment.
Professor Kuijken, specializing in dark matter and energy research, considers Euclid a valuable addition to existing telescopes. He explains that the James Webb and Hubble telescopes are larger but can study smaller areas of the sky in great detail. In contrast, Euclid is slightly smaller. 'It can capture a large portion of the sky at a glance. In this way, the two telescopes complement each other, completing the picture,' says Kuijken.
In July, the Euclid telescope was successfully launched, with its primary task being to create the most extensive cosmic 3D map ever. Over the next six years, the telescope is scheduled to observe billions of galaxies, up to a distance of about ten billion light-years. The European Space Agency (ESA) aims to gain insight into how dark matter and dark energy have contributed to the formation of the universe through this mission.
