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Herschel

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description Herschel Overview

The Herschel Space Observatory was a European Space Agency mission launched in 2009. It operated primarily in infrared wavelengths, specifically the far-infrared, utilizing a 3.5-meter mirror. This allowed scientists to study cold regions of space like star formation and dust clouds. Herschel provided crucial data for understanding galaxy evolution and the composition of planetary systems.

Its observations were valuable to astronomers researching astrophysics and cosmology.

help Herschel FAQ

What was the primary scientific goal of the Herschel Space Observatory?

The European Space Agency's Herschel Space Observatory was designed to observe the universe in the far-infrared and submillimeter wavelengths. This allowed scientists to study cold regions of space, including star formation and dust clouds.

How large was the primary mirror on the Herschel Space Observatory?

Herschel featured a massive 3.5-meter primary mirror, making it the largest infrared telescope ever launched at the time of its deployment. The mirror was crucial for gathering faint light from the most distant and coldest objects in the universe.

When did the Herschel space mission launch and stop operating?

The mission successfully launched in 2009 from French Guiana aboard an Ariane 5 rocket. It operated until 2013 when its supply of liquid helium coolant, necessary to keep its instruments cold, finally ran out.

Where is the Herschel Space Observatory located right now?

Since the telescope was placed in an orbit around the Earth-Sun L2 Lagrange point, it is not returning to Earth. After its mission ended, it was placed into a heliocentric parking orbit where it will continue to drift harmlessly around the sun.

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