A spacecraft thats exploring the dark universe has released its first full-colour images of the cosmos.
NamedEuclidafter the ancient Greek fatherof geometry, the satellite was developed by theEuropean Space Agency(ESA).
The observations will explore the influence of dark matter and dark energy on the formation of the universe.
Together, these entities comprise 95% of our cosmos but we still dont understand exactly what they are.
Euclid will for the first-time allow cosmologists to study these competing dark mysteries together.
On board the 4.7 metre satellite is one of the most precise telescopes ever sent tospace.
In the coming months, Euclids scientists will analyse the snapshots for a series of scientific papers.
But you might check the first five out right now.
The Perseus Cluster of galaxies
ESA describes this snapshot as a revolution for astronomy.
One of the largest known structures in the Universe, Perseus is located 240 million light-years from Earth.
Some of the fainter galaxies are 10 billion years away.
Many of them had never been seen before.
The Horsehead Nebula
Around 1,375 light-years from Earth, the Horsehead Nebula is part of the Orion constellation.
Named for its equine shape, the Horsehead is the closest star-forming region to us.
Euclids telescope has created a uniquely sharp and wide view of the Nebula.
Captured within just one hour, the picture demonstrates Euclids ability to rapidly image a vast stretch of sky.
Spiral galaxy IC 342
IC 342 has the intriguing nickname of the Hidden Galaxy.
It earned this sobriquet because its concealed behind layers of dust and gas from our Milky Way.
Euclids near-infrared technology can peek through the haze.
IC 342 is also a Milky Way lookalike, which makes it highly valuable to astronomers.
So, by studying galaxies like IC 342, we can learn a lot about galaxies like our own.
The fainter stars in their centres offer priceless insights about the Milky Ways history.
However, theyre concealed by the light emanating from the brightest stars.
To peel back the curtain, Euclid observes an entire globular cluster while distinguishing its faint inhabitants.
This helps determine the clusters age and chemical properties.
Irregular galaxy NGC 6822
NGC 6822 is the first irregular dwarf galaxy that Euclid observed.
Its around 1.6 billion light-years from Earth, which is actually quite nearby in astronomical terms.
Many globular star clusters have been found within this image.
Euclids inaugural colour images provide a preview of whats to come.
Now we are ready to observe billions of galaxies, and study their evolution over cosmic time.
Story byThomas Macaulay
Thomas is the managing editor of TNW.
He leads our coverage of European tech and oversees our talented team of writers.
Away from work, he e(show all)Thomas is the managing editor of TNW.
He leads our coverage of European tech and oversees our talented team of writers.
Away from work, he enjoys playing chess (badly) and the guitar (even worse).
