NASA is gearing up for the launch of its new space telescope, the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope (NGRST), which aims to explore the universe like never before. Set to launch by May 2027, the NGRST will offer a bold new approach to studying the cosmos, particularly through tracing the expansion of the universe using Type Ia supernovae.
The telescope’s primary focus is on studying the expansion history of the universe using these supernovae. By tracking how quickly they appear to be receding from us, scientists can map the growth of the universe’s expansion over time. This approach promises to deliver a clearer picture of the universe’s evolution and its accelerating expansion driven by dark energy.
The NGRST will use advanced techniques, including image subtraction, to detect transient cosmic events such as supernovae or other cosmic explosions. The telescope will also conduct follow-up spectroscopic observations with the Subaru Observatory in Hawaii to precisely identify the type of supernovae being observed.
One of the most exciting aspects of the NGRST is its ability to study events as far back as 11 billion years ago, capturing an unprecedented span of cosmic history. This long-duration survey will provide insights into the early stages of cosmic evolution, revealing information about the universe that has been obscured by time.
The NGRST’s three core community surveys, including the High-Latitude Time-Domain Survey, will allow scientists to map the universe with remarkable clarity. The telescope will observe a broad range of cosmic phenomena, from exploding stars to supermassive black holes, and provide a comprehensive view of the cosmos, uncovering rare and distant events that are otherwise difficult to detect.
By launching the NGRST in 2027, NASA aims to unlock new insights into the nature of dark energy, the mysterious force driving the universe’s accelerating expansion.
Source: https://dailygalaxy.com/2025/08/roman-telescope-map-universe-expansion