Chapter 13: Problem 56

Go to the European Space Agency's Gaia (Global Astrometric Interferometer for Astrophysics) mission website (http://esa int/science/gaia). Has Gaia been launched? How will it help astronomers determine the distances to more stars? Why will it map the stars from an \(L_{2}\) orbit (see Connections 4.2 )?

Short Answer

Expert verified

Gaia has been launched. Gaia determines distances using precise astrometry, and it maps stars from the L2 orbit for stability and clear observations.

Step by step solution

- Visit the Website

Navigate to the European Space Agency's Gaia mission website by entering the URL: http://esa.int/science/gaia in a web browser.

- Check if Gaia Has Been Launched

On the Gaia mission website, look for information regarding the launch status of the Gaia spacecraft. It should indicate whether Gaia has already been launched.

- Understanding Gaia's Contribution to Astronomy

Research on the Gaia mission website about how the spacecraft will help astronomers determine the distances to more stars. Look for details on the methodologies and technologies Gaia employs, such as astrometry, which measures the precise movements and positions of stars.

- Mapping Stars from an L2 Orbit

Find information about why Gaia is mapping the stars from an L2 orbit. Look for explanations related to the stability and observational advantages offered by the Lagrange point 2 (L2) in space.

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Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

astrometry

Astrometry is a crucial scientific field within astronomy that focuses on the precise measurement of the positions and movements of celestial bodies.
This includes stars, planets, and other objects in the universe.

Gaia, a mission by the European Space Agency (ESA), plays a significant role in astrometry.
Its cutting-edge technologies allow it to measure the positions of over a billion stars with unprecedented accuracy.

Here's how Gaia contributes:

Precise Measurements: Gaia can measure a star's position with microarcsecond precision, which is akin to measuring the diameter of a human hair from 1,000 kilometers away.
Distance Calculation: By observing the shift in a star's position (parallax) as Earth orbits the Sun, Gaia can accurately determine the distances to many stars.
Stellar Motion: Gaia tracks the movement of stars across the sky over time, providing insights into their velocity and trajectory.

These measurements are fundamental for understanding stellar dynamics, galactic structure, and the universe's expansion.

Lagrange points

Lagrange points are specific locations in space where the gravitational forces of two large celestial bodies, like Earth and the Sun, balance the centrifugal force felt by a smaller object.
There are five such points, labeled L1 to L5.

Gaia orbits around L2, a spot located about 1.5 million kilometers from Earth, on the side opposite the Sun.
This position provides several advantages:

Stable Environment: The L2 point offers a stable and relatively unchanging environment, minimizing the need for frequent adjustments to Gaia's position.
Continuous Observation: From L2, Gaia can continuously observe the stars without being blocked by Earth or the Sun.
Thermal Stability: At L2, Gaia remains in a stable thermal environment, reducing thermal fluctuations and improving observation accuracy.

By positioning Gaia at the L2 Lagrange point, ESA ensures that the spacecraft can achieve its mission objectives with optimal efficiency and accuracy.

spacecraft launch

The launch of a spacecraft is a complex and meticulously planned process, vital for the success of missions like Gaia.

Here’s a closer look at key aspects of spacecraft launch:

Launch Vehicle: Gaia was launched using the Soyuz-STB/Fregat-MT rocket, which is known for its reliability and precision.
Launch Site: The launch took place from the Guiana Space Centre in French Guiana, a location offering optimal launch trajectories and favorable weather conditions.
Orbit Insertion: After launch, precise maneuvers are required to place the spacecraft into the correct orbit. For Gaia, this involved positioning it at the L2 Lagrange point.
Mission Planning: Detailed mission planning ensures that all systems are tested, and contingencies are devised to handle any unexpected issues during launch and orbit insertion.

Successful launches like Gaia’s are the results of years of preparation, precise engineering, and careful execution, enabling groundbreaking scientific discoveries once the spacecraft reaches its intended position.

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Short Answer

Step by step solution

- Visit the Website

- Check if Gaia Has Been Launched

- Understanding Gaia's Contribution to Astronomy

- Mapping Stars from an L2 Orbit

Key Concepts

astrometry

Lagrange points

spacecraft launch

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