Euclid, with its powerful imaging innovation, has actually revealed the complexities of the Hidden Galaxy, IC 342, setting the phase for a much deeper exploration of the Universes structure. By studying galaxies like IC 342, we can find out a lot about galaxies like our own,” includes Leslie.
Euclid is not the first to observe the Hidden Galaxy. Euclid will observe billions of similar however more distant galaxies, all distributed along a cosmic web of dark matter filaments. The map of the distribution of galaxies over cosmic time will also teach us about dark energy, which accelerates the expansion of the Universe.
Euclid, with its powerful imaging technology, has actually unveiled the complexities of the Hidden Galaxy, IC 342, setting the stage for a much deeper expedition of the Universes structure. Through its in-depth observations, Euclid is anticipated to contribute considerably to our understanding of dark matter and dark energys role in cosmic expansion. Credit: ESA/Euclid/Euclid Consortium/NASA, image processing by J.-C. Cuillandre (CEA Paris-Saclay), G. Anselmi, CC BY-SA 3.0 IGO
Euclids View of Spiral Galaxy IC 342
Over its lifetime, ESAs Euclid, our dark Universe investigator will image billions of galaxies, revealing the surprise impact that dark matter and dark energy have on them.
Revealing the Hidden Galaxy
Thats why its fitting that a person of the first galaxies that Euclid observed is nicknamed the Hidden Galaxy. This galaxy, also understood as IC 342 or Caldwell 5, is hard to observe due to the fact that it lies behind the busy disc of our Milky Way, and so dust, gas, and stars odd our view.
Euclid might take this sharp and lovely image thanks to its unbelievable level of sensitivity and exceptional optics. Crucial here is that Euclid utilized its near-infrared instrument to peer through the dust and measure the light from the many cool and low-mass stars that control the galaxys mass.
The Capabilities of Euclid
” Thats what is so dazzling about Euclid images. In one shot, it can see the entire galaxy in all its stunning information,” discusses Euclid Consortium researcher Leslie Hunt of the National Institute for Astrophysics in Italy, on behalf of a wider team working on showcasing galaxies imaged by Euclid.
” This image may look typical, as if every telescope can make such an image, but that is not true. Whats so unique here is that we have a wide view covering the entire galaxy, but we can also focus to differentiate single stars and star clusters. This makes it possible to trace the history of star development and much better comprehend how stars formed and evolved over the life time of the galaxy.”
This cutout from Euclids complete view of the IC 342 is at the high resolution of the VIS instrument. The cutout fully showcases the power of Euclid in acquiring extremely sharp images over a big area of the sky in one single pointing. Credit: ESA/Euclid/Euclid Consortium/NASA, image processing by J.-C.
Insights From a Spiral Galaxy
IC 342 is located around 11 million light-years from Earth, extremely nearby our own galaxy (in astronomical ranges). By studying galaxies like IC 342, we can discover a lot about galaxies like our own,” adds Leslie.
Euclid is not the very first to observe the Hidden Galaxy. The NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope has previously imaged its core. Until now it has been impossible to study the star-formation history of the whole galaxy. Furthermore, researchers have currently identified many globular clusters in this image, some of which have not been formerly recognized.
A 3D Map of Dark Matter and Dark Energy
Euclid will observe billions of comparable however more distant galaxies, all dispersed along a cosmic web of dark matter filaments. In this method, it will provide a 3D view of the dark matter circulation in our Universe. The map of the distribution of galaxies over cosmic time will also teach us about dark energy, which accelerates the growth of deep space.