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r6v:'`7ّsed2( dM.~ Hˎ \w]`_F\d. 9+kn̩ 1 !岷Herschel Space Observatory
The Herschel Space Telescope is one of the 'cornerstones' of the European Space Agency's Horizons 2000 science programme. Due to be launched in 2007, its mission is to explore the formation of stars and galaxies in deep space. These pages provide an overview of the Herschel telescope, the science of its mission and the history behind it.
What is Herschel?
When it is launched in 2007, Herschel will join the growing number of space telescopes currently in use. It will look at the universe in the far-infrared part of the spectrum, something which no current space telescopes can do. Its 3.5m primary mirror will be the biggest ever to have been launched into space, dwarfing the Hubble Space Telescope's infamous 2.4m mirror. A selection of instruments, called photometers and spectrometers, will allow Herschel to take infrared 'pictures' of stars and galaxies, and to discover what they're made of.
The Herschel mission is a collaboration between NASA and the European Space Agency, incorporating research institutions from across the globe.
Why Herschel?
Originally called FIRST (Far Infrared and Submillimetre Telescope) Herschel is named after the 19th century astronomer Frederick William Herschel (1738-1822). Originally born in Germany, he later moved to Britain, and is perhaps most famous for his discovery of the planet Uranus. He also discovered infrared light, and it is for this reason that the space observatory is named after him. You can read more about him in the History section of this website.
What is Herschel looking for?
By studying the infrared part of the spectrum, Herschel will be able to 'see' a range of objects which are all but invisible to other space observatories. Much of the universe is very cold, and only radiates at infrared and submillimeter wavelengths. Ground-based telescopes are unable to study these objects, because the moisture in the Earth's atmosphere absorbs most of their radiation. Herschel will be able to study the formation and evolution of faraway stars and galaxies. It will also be able to look at the chemistry of the universe and the creation of planetary systems including our own.