What are the preliminary results from the Planck First Light Survey?

In summary, the Planck team has released their preliminary results for the First Light Survey and their instrument is working well, producing higher-resolution and lower-noise maps than WMAP. Planck also offers a wider range of frequencies. However, there are still no science results as the entire sky needs to be surveyed at least twice. The funding for this joint ESA/NASA mission is greatly appreciated.
  • #1
Chalnoth
Science Advisor
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The Planck team have put out a press release their (very preliminary) results for the First Light Survey:
http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/Planck/SEM5CMFWNZF_0.html

The basic gist: the instrument is working, and it's already producing higher-resolution and lower-noise maps than WMAP offers at the same frequency bands, and Planck offers a much wider range of frequencies (WMAP = 5 channels from 23GHz to 94GHz, Planck = 9 channels from 30GHz to 857GHz). No science results yet, as there are many things that can't be done until Planck surveys the whole sky at least twice.

More in-depth information is available here:
http://sci.esa.int/science-e/www/object/index.cfm?fobjectid=45543
 
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  • #2
Great news!
 
  • #3
my gob, what an incredibly beautiful piece of technology...i don't recall where the funding came from for this effort, but whoever they are, thank you thank you.
 
  • #4
jnorman said:
my gob, what an incredibly beautiful piece of technology...i don't recall where the funding came from for this effort, but whoever they are, thank you thank you.
Haha, it's a joint ESA/NASA mission :)
 

Related to What are the preliminary results from the Planck First Light Survey?

1. What is the Planck First Light Survey?

The Planck First Light Survey is a project conducted by the European Space Agency's Planck satellite to map the cosmic microwave background radiation (CMB) left over from the Big Bang. It aims to study the properties and evolution of the universe in its earliest moments.

2. What is the purpose of the Planck First Light Survey?

The purpose of the Planck First Light Survey is to gather precise measurements of the CMB in order to study the origin, evolution, and structure of the universe. It also aims to provide data to support theories such as inflation and dark matter.

3. How is the Planck First Light Survey conducted?

The Planck satellite uses a variety of instruments, including high-frequency microwave detectors and a telescope, to scan the entire sky and collect data on the CMB. The data is then processed and analyzed by scientists to create maps and models of the CMB.

4. What have been the major discoveries from the Planck First Light Survey?

The Planck First Light Survey has led to many significant discoveries, including the precise measurement of the age of the universe, the confirmation of the inflation theory, and the discovery of new information about dark matter and dark energy. It has also provided important data for understanding the large-scale structure of the universe.

5. How does the Planck First Light Survey contribute to our understanding of the universe?

The Planck First Light Survey plays a crucial role in advancing our understanding of the universe. By providing precise measurements of the CMB, it helps us understand the composition, evolution, and structure of the universe. It also supports and tests theories such as inflation and helps us to better understand the role of dark matter and dark energy in the universe.

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