Seriousness Herschel/Planck telescopes successfully launched

HarryT · 05-14-2009, 10:22 AM

I'm delighted to see that the European Space Agency's "Herschel" and "Planck" space telescopes have been successfully launched on an Ariane V rocket today. When I was a PhD student, over 20 years ago, I did work on the detectors for Planck, and it's wonderful to see it finally make it into space after so many years wait.

These telescopes should provide revolutionary knowledge for astronomy. Having had an exceedingly small role in the thing myself, I feel a certain element of "paternal pride" in them

.

Sweetpea · 05-14-2009, 10:27 AM

I'm especially interested in the results Herschel will return.

On days like these I feel sad I never finished my Astronomy education...

Peverel · 05-14-2009, 10:35 AM

Wow very cool Harry, you should be proud

HarryT · 05-14-2009, 10:36 AM

Totally agree. A telescope operating in the infra-red region of the spectrum can see "hot" objects inside dust clouds, and so we should be able to see very young stars in the process of formation. Fun stuff!

Update: both spacecraft have sent signals back to mission control confirming that they have successfully separated from the launch vehicle and are "alive and well". It's all looking great!

GeoffC · 05-14-2009, 10:57 AM

I was looking at the mission details this morning and meant to drop into the BBC web-site for any launch pictures - but forgot with working outside.

But Thanks Harry for the good news ..... (It would have been an expensive loss if there had been any problems with the launch)..

05-14-2009, 10:22 AM	#1
HarryT eBook Enthusiast Posts: 85,544 Karma: 93383043 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: UK Device: Kindle Oasis 2, iPad Pro 10.5", iPhone 6	Herschel/Planck telescopes successfully launched I'm delighted to see that the European Space Agency's "Herschel" and "Planck" space telescopes have been successfully launched on an Ariane V rocket today. When I was a PhD student, over 20 years ago, I did work on the detectors for Planck, and it's wonderful to see it finally make it into space after so many years wait. These telescopes should provide revolutionary knowledge for astronomy. Having had an exceedingly small role in the thing myself, I feel a certain element of "paternal pride" in them .

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05-14-2009, 10:27 AM	#2
Sweetpea Grand Sorcerer Posts: 9,707 Karma: 32763414 Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Krewerd Device: Pocketbook Inkpad 4 Color; Samsung Galaxy Tab S6	I'm especially interested in the results Herschel will return. On days like these I feel sad I never finished my Astronomy education...

05-14-2009, 10:35 AM	#3
Peverel Still Easily Confused Posts: 889 Karma: 505319 Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Hampshire/Berkshire/Surrey - yes I am that big Device: Kindle	Wow very cool Harry, you should be proud

05-14-2009, 10:36 AM	#4
HarryT eBook Enthusiast Posts: 85,544 Karma: 93383043 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: UK Device: Kindle Oasis 2, iPad Pro 10.5", iPhone 6	Totally agree. A telescope operating in the infra-red region of the spectrum can see "hot" objects inside dust clouds, and so we should be able to see very young stars in the process of formation. Fun stuff! Update: both spacecraft have sent signals back to mission control confirming that they have successfully separated from the launch vehicle and are "alive and well". It's all looking great!

05-14-2009, 10:57 AM	#5
GeoffC Chocolate Grasshopper ... Posts: 27,600 Karma: 20821184 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Scotland Device: Muse HD , Cybook Gen3 , Pocketbook 302 (Black) , Nexus 10: wife has PW	I was looking at the mission details this morning and meant to drop into the BBC web-site for any launch pictures - but forgot with working outside. But Thanks Harry for the good news ..... (It would have been an expensive loss if there had been any problems with the launch)..

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