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Astronomers have resumed an ambitious plan for a liquid mirror telescope on the Moon that would be so powerful that it could observe the first stars that ever formed in the universe in the aftermath of the Big Bang.
The concept of a liquid mirror telescope on the moon was originally proposed over a decade ago, but plans have been shelved. A team of researchers has now dusted off the idea and are ready to publish a paper stating that such a telescope would be able to show the birth of the universe’s first galaxies.
The main theory suggests that the very first stars formed about 13 billion years ago, before galaxies joined. The hypothesized lunar telescope has the tantalizing potential to peer back into the fog of time and examine the early days of the cosmos.
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“The emergence of the first stars marks a crucial transition in the history of the universe, as the primordial conditions established by the Big Bang gave way to ever-increasing cosmic complexity, ultimately bringing life to planets, life and intelligent beings like us. , “ explained study co-author Volker Bromm of the University of Texas at Austin.
Current and near future telescopes do not have the power to capture it “Moment of first light.” The researchers say it is therefore important to plan to create a file “Ultimate telescope.” “One who is able to directly observe those first elusive stars at the edge of time”, Bromm said.
The lunar telescope would represent a dramatic departure from current technology. Its mirror would be a rotating tank of liquid, with a surface layer of reflective, metallic liquid, such as mercury.
The mirror could be embedded in a crater at one of the Moon’s poles and should measure 100 meters in diameter. Its size and location would also make it incredibly powerful. An added benefit of a liquid-based telescope is that it would be easier to transport to the moon than traditional models. It could also be solar powered.
The idea of a telescope on the moon is not unique to the liquid mirror model. NASA is also funding investigations into a radio telescope idea that would turn a lunar crater into a dish.
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