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Space Infrared Telescope Facility Mission In Focus
Pasadena - Oct 20, 2003 The Space Infrared Telescope Facility, NASA's fourth and final Great Observatory, has been successfully focused reported NASA October 13. This crucial milestone � which will enable the observatory's infrared eyes to see the cosmos in clear detail � was achieved after a series of delicate adjustments were made to the telescope's secondary mirror. Since launch on Aug. 25, the Space Infrared Telescope Facility has performed as expected, proceeding through in-orbit checkout activities on schedule. In addition to achieving final focus, the telescope has cooled to an operating temperature of approximately 5 Kelvin (-268 Celsius or -451 Fahrenheit). This cold temperature will allow the observatory to detect the infrared radiation, or heat, from celestial objects without picking up its own infrared signature. "The science community now has an outstanding observatory with which to study the universe," said Dr. Michael Werner, project scientist for the mission at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, Calif. "We are eager to complete the fine-tuning of the observatory and begin the science program." In-orbit checkout activities are scheduled to continue for 11 more days, after which a one-month science verification phase will occur. Following this, the science program will begin. From its innovative Earth-trailing orbit around the Sun, the Space Infrared Telescope Facility will pierce the dusty darkness enshrouding much of the universe, revealing galaxies billions of light years away; brown dwarfs, or failed stars; and planet-forming discs around stars. Community Email This Article Comment On This Article Related Links Space Infrared Telescope Facility SpaceDaily Search SpaceDaily Subscribe To SpaceDaily Express Space Telescope News and Technology at Skynightly.com
Cornell's Contract For Management Of Arecibo Observatory Renewed
Ithaca NY (SPX) Apr 06, 2005The National Science Foundation (NSF) has renewed Cornell University's management contract for the operation of Arecibo Observatory, the world's largest and most-sensitive single-dish radio/radar telescope.
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