Launch of Gaia Spacecraft by ESA
December 19th, 2013
December 19th, 2013
How Long Ago?
11 years, 2 months, 23 days ago
Location
Kourou, French Guiana
Category
Space Exploration
People
- Marc Casanova
- Alberto M. M. Marzari
Links & References
Tags
Launch of Gaia Spacecraft by ESA
Gaia, a space observatory by the European Space Agency (ESA), was launched to create a three-dimensional map of our galaxy. This mission aimed to measure the positions, distances, and motions of stars with unprecedented precision. The launch took place from the Guiana Space Centre in French Guiana and was a major step towards understanding the Milky Way and its structure. This ambitious project seeks to unlock the mysteries of stellar evolution and galactic dynamics.
Designed to map one billion stars' positions.
Utilizes advanced astrometry techniques.
Launch facilitated by Arianespace rockets.
Data to enhance understanding of stellar evolution.
What Happened?
Gaia is a revolutionary astronomical satellite crafted by the European Space Agency (ESA) to perform precision astrometry for the purpose of mapping the Milky Way Galaxy. Launched from the Guiana Space Centre in Kourou, French Guiana, Gaia's mission spans a period of five years, during which it aims to collect data that will help scientists to map the positions and motions of a billion stars accurately. This massive undertaking makes Gaia one of the most sophisticated spacecraft ever built for such a purpose. The satellite uses a process called parallax measurement, which allows it to gauge the distance to stars by observing their apparent movement relative to more distant background objects over time. Gaia's significant goal is to produce the largest and most detailed three-dimensional map of the Milky Way, significantly contributing to our understanding of the galaxy's structure and formation. It aims to catalogue not just stars but also nearby asteroids, exoplanets, and other celestial bodies, providing unprecedented insights into their properties. This extensive survey facilitates investigations into stellar evolution, the origins of the universe, and the dynamics of the galaxy over time, rendering Gaia a landmark mission in the realm of modern astronomy.
Why Does it Matter?
The launch of the Gaia spacecraft marks a pivotal moment in space exploration and astronomical research. By creating a comprehensive map of the Milky Way, Gaia has the potential to reshape our understanding of the galaxy's composition, formation, and evolution. The data it collects will be crucial for various fields within astrophysics, enabling scientists to probe deeper into the fundamental processes that govern stellar and galactic dynamics, thus ensuring its impact will be felt for many years to come.
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