Herschel promises a bright future for astronomy

Herschel made the first observational experiment with all of its devices and produced very remarkable results. Galaxies, star-forming regions, and dying stars are the first targets of this telescope. The devices provide very valuable data in the endeavor, finding water, carbon and detecting dozens of galaxies very far away.

The following 3 observations show that Herschel's devices are working well beyond expectations. These devices promise valuable discoveries for astronomers.

SPIRE surprised

On July 24, the Spectral and Photometric Imaging Receiver (SPIRE) was tested on two galaxies in its first observation into the universe. These galaxies show up clearly, providing astronomers with the best images, and revealing more distant galaxies behind the image.

The photos show galaxies M66 and M74 at a wavelength of 250 microns, longer than any previous infrared observation, but still the shortest SPIRE wavelength.

SPIRE is designed to observe star formation in our galaxy and nearby galaxies. It will also search for star-forming galaxies far away in the universe. Because these galaxies are too far away, light takes a very long time to reach us, so recognizing them also means that we are looking at the past and understanding how and when This galaxy is formed.

Herschel's main mirror is 3.5 meters in diameter, nearly four times larger than any previous infrared space telescope. The photos are proof that Herschel is a great step forward in our ability to study cosmic objects at long wavelengths of infrared.

Spitzer observes shorter infrared wavelengths than Herschel, so these two telescopes complement each other. These observations were made on the first day SPIRE was put into use. They show that the main scientific studies planned to use this device will be very successful.

HIFI water hunting device

Scientists used the Far Infrared Heteroferment Device (HIFI) on June 22 to look for warm gas molecules heated by newborn giant stars in the DR21 star-forming region in Cygnus.

M74 (also known as NGC 628) is a spiral galaxy located 24 million light-years away in the constellation Pisces. Infrared images of SPIRE track cold dust between stars, clearly showing the galaxy's spiral structure. They also contain a lot of blurry dots that are in fact faraway galaxies. These galaxies contain radiant dust at infrared wavelengths, but they are farther away, and we cannot observe the structure of those galaxies yet. (Photos: ESA and SPIRE)

HIFI has provided excellent data in both different viewing modes, giving information about the chemical composition of the region with unprecedented high resolution and resolution. It works by enlarging certain wavelengths, showing different 'spectral' lines showing the sign of atoms and molecules, and even the physical conditions of the object being observed. It is this ability that makes it a very useful tool in studying the role of gas and dust in star and planet formation, as well as the evolution of galaxies.

Using HIFI, scientists observed ionized carbon, carbon monoxide, and water in DR21. Different molecular lines contribute to a better understanding of what is happening in this area.

The high quality of these first observations promises new insights into star formation .

PACS looks at 'Cat's Eye'

The first observation with the Spectrophotometer and photodetector (PACS) was made on June 23.

The first goal is a substance star known as the Cat's Eye Nebula. Discovered by William Herschel in 1786, this nebula consists of a complex gas shell pushed by a star. Dead stars make spectacular nebulae, enriching the interstellar area with heavy chemical elements. But how does a spherical star create such a complex nebula? To solve this question, we need to look at processes close to stars, where matter is pushed.

With PACS spectroscopy for the first time, scientists can capture images by spectral lines, and observe how the wind from the star has 'shaped' the nebula. PACS spectrometer is used to observe the Cat's Eye Nebula. This device records the chemical composition and condition of the object at precisely defined wavelengths.

PACS observed the nebula with two spectral lines from ionized nitrogen and oxygen. For better orientation, the photodetector used a small map of the Cat's Eye Nebula, showing the structure of a dust ring.

Following these first photos, Herschel is currently in the operational testing phase, the devices will continue to be tested and calibrated. This phase will last until the end of November, after which the telescope will begin the process of scientific activity.These photos are proof that there are still many things to be discovered.