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

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the preliminary results from the Planck First Light Survey, focusing on the performance of the Planck instrument in comparison to WMAP, including its capabilities in producing higher-resolution and lower-noise maps across a wider range of frequencies. The scope includes technical details about the instrument's functionality and initial findings, though no scientific results are yet available.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants note that the Planck instrument is functioning well and producing better quality maps than WMAP, with higher resolution and lower noise.
  • It is mentioned that Planck has a broader frequency range compared to WMAP, with 9 channels from 30GHz to 857GHz versus WMAP's 5 channels from 23GHz to 94GHz.
  • One participant expresses appreciation for the technology and acknowledges the funding sources, although the exact origins of funding are not specified.
  • A later reply confirms that the mission is a joint effort between ESA and NASA.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally express excitement about the preliminary results and the technology, but there is no substantial disagreement or competing views presented in this discussion. The focus remains on the positive aspects of the Planck instrument.

Contextual Notes

No scientific results have been reported yet, and further analysis is contingent on completing additional sky surveys.

Chalnoth
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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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Great news!
 
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.
 
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 :)
 

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