Dozens of space-based telescopes operate near Earth and provide incredible images of the universe.
Im an astrophysicistwho studies the formation of structure in the universe.
So what would such a mission look like?
And what science could be done?
Where a telescope is located matters nearly as much as its power.
In many cases, the farther from the Sun, the better.
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But these stars are very far away, and there arelimits to what astronomers can learn about them.
The disc of dust in the plane of the planets reflects the Suns light back at Earth.
This could provide insights into howmatter condensed into the first stars and galaxies.
Discrepancies could point to problems with models of structure formation in the universe or perhaps toexotic new physics.
This kind of measurement may allow astrophysicists to actually map planets in other star systems.
Perhaps one day we will be able to name continents on an Earth-like planet around a distant star.
Coming soon?
That plan for the 2020s is scheduled to be released on Nov. 4, 2021.
In it, I expect to see discussions about the next telescope that could revolutionize astronomy.
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