Engineers developed a unique method to combat icing on the Telescope Euclid “Euclid”, located a million miles from the ground. The mission of the telescope, launched by the European Space Agency (ESA) in July 2023, aims to study the dark matter and dark energy of the universe using highly sensitive cameras. However, over time, layers of water began to form on the mirrors of the device, freezing and reducing its ability to observe.
“Some stars in the universe change their brightness, but most remain stable for millions of years,” says Misha Shirmer, a scientist responsible for calibrating Euclid. A gradual decrease in the number of photons fixed by devices indicated the problem not in space, but in the telescope itself.
After many months of research, the team concluded that frozen water on the mirrors of optical instruments, likely absorbed during the device’s assembly on Earth, was the cause of the issue. The thickness of the ice, comparable to the DNA diameter, significantly affects the sensitivity of the telescope.
To address the problem, a procedure was developed involving the heating of some optical parts of the telescope without risking its structure. The first step will be the heating of the two mirrors of Euclid, which can be warmed up independently. If necessary, the process will be applied to other mirror groups.
“This is an experimental procedure, but the risk is justified, given that icing could compromise Euclid’s ability to examine a third of the sky with unprecedented accuracy,” said Reiko Nakajima, a scientist on the instrument of Vis.
Previously, Euclid successfully dealt with problems, such as loss of orientation due to failures of accurate guidance sensors. The team on Earth developed a software update that completely restored the telescope’s functionality.
Thus, the mission of Euclid continues, despite the challenges the team faces. These measures will enable the telescope to restore and maintain its unique capabilities for studying dark matter and dark energy, unveiling new secrets of the universe.