If you think a map of the entire sky is impossible, consider it done: NASA has just released an all-sky atlas and catalog of objects.
For ten months, NASA’s Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer or WISE took a photo of the sky once every 11 seconds, which resulted in 2.7 million images. The images were then joined together in 18,000 mosaic images in which there are about 560 million stars and 15 trillion bytes of information about the universe.
The WISE Mission and Its Achievements
The WISE mission, launched in December 2009, was designed to survey the entire sky in infrared light. This allowed astronomers to see objects that are otherwise hidden in visible light, such as brown dwarfs, asteroids, and distant galaxies. The mission’s primary goal was to create a comprehensive map of the sky, which could be used for a variety of scientific purposes. The data collected by WISE has been instrumental in numerous discoveries and has provided a wealth of information for future research.
A number of discoveries have already turned up from the WISE data, like the existence of trojan asteroids (asteroids with the same orbital path as that of Earth’s) and Y-dwarfs (darkest and coldest stars in the universe). These discoveries have significant implications for our understanding of the solar system and the broader universe. For example, the identification of Y-dwarfs helps scientists study the lower end of the star formation spectrum, providing insights into the processes that govern star formation and evolution.
Impact on Science and Education
The release of the WISE data has opened up new opportunities for both the scientific and educational communities. Researchers can now access a treasure trove of information that can be used to study a wide range of astronomical phenomena. The data is expected to lead to new discoveries and enhance our understanding of the universe.
“It will be exciting and rewarding to see the innovative ways the science and educational communities will use WISE in their studies now that they have the data at their fingertips,” says Roc Cutri, head of data processing for WISE. The availability of this data also provides an excellent resource for educators, who can use it to teach students about astronomy and the scientific process. By analyzing real data from a NASA mission, students can gain hands-on experience with scientific research and develop a deeper understanding of the universe.
The WISE mission has also contributed to the identification of near-Earth objects (NEOs), which are asteroids and comets that come close to Earth’s orbit. By studying these objects, scientists can better understand the potential threats they pose and develop strategies to mitigate the risk of a collision with Earth. This aspect of the WISE mission highlights the practical applications of astronomical research and its importance for planetary defense.
In addition to its scientific contributions, the WISE mission has also captured the public’s imagination. The stunning images produced by WISE have been widely shared and admired, helping to raise awareness of the beauty and complexity of the universe. These images serve as a reminder of the importance of space exploration and the need to continue investing in scientific research.
The release of the all-sky atlas and catalog of objects by NASA’s WISE mission represents a significant milestone in our exploration of the universe. The data collected by WISE has already led to numerous discoveries and will continue to be a valuable resource for researchers and educators. As we continue to study the data and uncover new insights, we can look forward to a deeper understanding of the cosmos and our place within it.
via Geekosystem
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