The Euclid observatory was successfully launched by SpaceX and is now traveling to its final destination, which is 1.5 million kilometers away near the Webb Space Telescope. After traveling for almost a month to get to its destination, it will need to prepare for another two months before starting its extensive study in the upcoming fall.

Flight controllers in Germany celebrated success nearly an hour into the launch, expressing their excitement and jubilation as the telescope established communication, confirming a seamless lift-off.

Euclid, named after the ancient Greek mathematician, will meticulously study billions of galaxies across over one-third of the sky. By precisely identifying and examining the position and structure of galaxies up to 10 billion light-years away, scientists hope to gain valuable insights into the nature of dark energy and dark matter, which constitute the majority of the universe and drive its expansion. Currently, only five percent of the universe is understood, encompassing stars, planets, and ourselves.

The highly anticipated 3D map of the cosmos produced by Euclid will span both space and time, aiming to elucidate the evolution of the dark universe and the reasons behind its accelerating expansion. The project's lead scientist expressed confidence that Euclid would measure dark energy and dark matter with unprecedented precision.

Euclid stands at an impressive height of 4.7 meters and boasts a width nearly as substantial. Equipped with a 1.2-meter telescope and two advanced scientific instruments capable of observing both visible light and near-infrared wavelengths, the telescope is accompanied by an expansive sun-shield designed to maintain the optimal temperature required for its sensitive systems.

The Euclid space telescope's mission holds great promise, as it embarks on a cosmic journey to unlock the secrets of the dark universe and deepen our understanding of the profound forces shaping the vast expanse of space. (ILKHA)