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Published on: May 9, 2020
A liquid nitrogen cooled, rocket borne, infrared telescope.
M Harwit1, D P McNutt, K Shivanandan
1Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA.
Applied Optics
|January 9, 2010
Summary
A new liquid nitrogen-cooled telescope, launched via Aerobee 150 rocket, measures infrared signals from celestial objects up to 7.5 microns. This instrument can observe both diffuse and discrete cosmic sources, overcoming limitations of ground-based telescopes.
Area of Science:
- Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Infrared Astronomy
- Space-based Observatories
Background:
- Ground-based telescopes face atmospheric interference for infrared observations.
- Previous instruments had limitations in measuring absolute infrared signal strengths.
- Observing diffuse astronomical sources in the infrared spectrum is challenging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To construct and deploy a liquid nitrogen-cooled telescope for space-based infrared astronomy.
- To enable the measurement of absolute infrared signal strengths from astronomical objects.
- To observe both diffuse and discrete celestial sources beyond Earth's atmosphere.
Main Methods:
- Construction of a liquid nitrogen-cooled telescope.
- Integration and launch of the telescope aboard an Aerobee 150 rocket.
- Measurement of infrared signals in the wavelength range up to approximately 7.5 microns.
Main Results:
- Successful deployment and operation of the liquid nitrogen-cooled telescope in space.
- Acquisition of absolute infrared signal strength data from astronomical objects.
- Demonstrated capability to observe both diffuse and discrete sources.
Conclusions:
- The developed telescope provides a novel capability for space-based infrared astronomical observations.
- The instrument effectively measures absolute infrared signals, enhancing our understanding of cosmic objects.
- This technology advances the study of diffuse and discrete infrared sources in astronomy.
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