Sleuth Satellites to Solve Intergalactic Mysteries

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Two observational satelllites were sent into space this week.

Two gigantic telescopes have been sent into space in a bid to delve into the farthest reaches of the universe.

Herschel and Planck, the names of the satellites, cost $2.6 billon and were set off on the Ariane 5 rocket from French Guiana yesterday. Scientists at Cardiff University had a big hand in the development of the satellites, building vital components of the crafts, with the aim of exploring previously uncharted areas of the galaxies.

There were big cheers around the Cardiff campus when news of its successful launch came through. Professor Steve Eales, leader of the 110 strong team of scientists, said “I’m so relieved and enormously proud of what we have done to get this off the ground”.

Herschel’s task will be to literally gaze at the stars, using radio wavelengths and far-infrared to spy through the mass of clouds and dust that are present when stars begin to form. Planck’s role differs from Herschel’s somewhat. His objectives will be to try and find out more about the infamous Big Bang that led to the forming of our planet a mere 13.7 billion years ago.

By examining the “cosmic microwave background” left over from the event astronomers hope to find out more about the fantastical occurrences that led to the rapid construction of our universe. They also hope it will be able to shed some light on cosmic mysteries like dark matter and dark energy.

Coincidently there was another major space launch earlier in the week as a team of seven astronauts left Cape Canaveral on Monday, with the aim of servicing the Hubble Telescope. New gyroscopes are to be fitted on the telescope to enable it to look in the right direction.