First light from the Euclid telescope

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the first images captured by the Euclid telescope, focusing on its capabilities and the significance of its mission in studying galaxy shapes and redshifts. Participants express varying opinions on the aesthetic value of the images and their relevance to the telescope's scientific objectives.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants note that the Euclid telescope is primarily designed for studying galaxy shapes and redshifts, rather than producing visually appealing images.
  • One participant suggests that the choice of the Horsehead Nebula as an image may not align with the telescope's mission, advocating for a more relevant image like that of the globular cluster NGC 6397.
  • Another participant appreciates the aesthetic quality of the images, indicating a divide in perspectives regarding the importance of visual appeal versus scientific relevance.
  • It is mentioned that Euclid is uniquely capable of observing entire globular clusters in a single observation, which could provide insights into the Milky Way's history and dark matter distribution.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the significance of the images produced by the Euclid telescope, with some prioritizing scientific relevance over aesthetic appeal. There is no consensus on the appropriateness of the images shared.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference the specific capabilities of the Euclid telescope and its mission objectives, but there is no detailed discussion on the technical aspects of the images or the implications of the findings.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in astronomy, telescope technology, and the study of galaxies may find this discussion relevant.

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Kind of a boring image. Can you say what is different about this telescope? :wink:

1699494267915.png
 

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berkeman said:
Kind of a boring image.
Well, the post was to tell about first light and less about showing a pretty picture, although I admit I probably did pick the Horsehead Nebula because it is always pretty.

Given Euclids mission I guess it would have been more appropriate to show a wide field like this:
1699513998367.png
This sparkly image shows Euclid’s view on a globular cluster called NGC 6397. This is the second-closest globular cluster to Earth, located about 7800 light-years away. Globular clusters are collections of hundreds of thousands of stars held together by gravity. Currently no other telescope than Euclid can observe an entire globular cluster in one single observation, and at the same time distinguish so many stars in the cluster. These faint stars tell us about the history of the Milky Way and where dark matter is located.
 
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Now that's a pretty picture!
 

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