The Euclid mission, a joint project between NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA), is shedding light on the universe’s mysterious expansion. By analyzing data from its deep field observations, scientists aim to understand the unknown force driving this acceleration.
Launched in July 2023, Euclid will study billions of galaxies, including some 26 million observed during a recent release of data. The telescope’s farthest observations will focus on three “deep fields,” areas where it will collect more light to reveal fainter and distant galaxies.
Astronomers use these observations to investigate dark energy, the supposed cause behind the universe’s expansion. By creating detailed 3D maps of the universe, scientists can measure how quickly dark energy affects galaxies and matter clumps.
However, the vast majority of the universe – about five times more so than what is visible to our eyes – is comprised of “dark matter,” a material invisible to light. To study dark energy’s influence, researchers need to include dark matter in their maps. This can be achieved through gravitational lensing, where massive objects warp light, creating subtle changes that scientists can detect.
The newly released data covers 63 square degrees of the sky and marks just over 14% of Euclid’s total survey area of 14,000 square degrees. The mission’s first cosmology data is set to be released in October 2026, with additional passes planned for later releases.
By unraveling the secrets of dark energy, scientists hope to gain a deeper understanding of the universe’s fundamental nature and evolution over time.
Source: https://www.nasa.gov/missions/euclid/esa-previews-euclid-missions-deep-view-of-dark-universe