B First light from the Euclid telescope

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The Euclid telescope has recently captured its first images, focusing on galaxy shapes and redshift rather than just visually appealing nebulae. A notable image features the globular cluster NGC 6397, which is significant as Euclid is the only telescope capable of observing an entire cluster while distinguishing numerous stars simultaneously. These observations are crucial for understanding the Milky Way's history and the distribution of dark matter. The discussion highlights the importance of the telescope's scientific mission over aesthetic visuals. Overall, Euclid's capabilities promise to enhance our knowledge of the universe significantly.
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Kind of a boring image. Can you say what is different about this telescope? :wink:

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berkeman said:
Kind of a boring image.
Well, the post was to tell about first light and less about showing a pretty picture, although I admit I probably did pick the Horsehead Nebula because it is always pretty.

Given Euclids mission I guess it would have been more appropriate to show a wide field like this:
1699513998367.png
This sparkly image shows Euclid’s view on a globular cluster called NGC 6397. This is the second-closest globular cluster to Earth, located about 7800 light-years away. Globular clusters are collections of hundreds of thousands of stars held together by gravity. Currently no other telescope than Euclid can observe an entire globular cluster in one single observation, and at the same time distinguish so many stars in the cluster. These faint stars tell us about the history of the Milky Way and where dark matter is located.
 
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Now that's a pretty picture!
 

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