NASA is planning to launch a cutting-edge artificial star into space to improve the accuracy of astronomical measurements. Named the Landolt mission after the renowned astronomer Arlo Landolt, this project will involve launching a small satellite equipped with lasers that will replicate the light emitted by stars and other celestial objects. Scheduled for launch in 2029, this toaster-sized device will orbit Earth at a height of 22,236 miles, providing a stationary target for ground-based telescopes to calibrate their instruments with unprecedented precision.
The main objective of the Landolt mission is to enhance the measurement of stars’ brightness, crucial for understanding cosmic phenomena. By using the artificial star’s consistent and well-defined brightness levels, astronomers can eliminate guesswork and improve telescope calibration significantly. This mission could revolutionize our comprehension of the universe, from studying exoplanets to determining the expansion rate of the universe. Overall, the Landolt mission promises to advance astronomical research and offer new insights into the cosmos.
Vocabulary List:
- Cutting-edge /ˈkʌt.ɪŋ ɛdʒ/ (adjective): Being at the forefront of innovation or development.
- Artificial /ˌɑːr.tɪˈfɪʃ.əl/ (adjective): Made or produced by human beings rather than occurring naturally.
- Astronomical /ˌæs.trəˈnɑː.mɪ.kəl/ (adjective): Relating to astronomy the scientific study of celestial bodies.
- Calibrate /ˈkæl.ɪ.breɪt/ (verb): To adjust or mark a measuring instrument or device.
- Phenomena /fəˈnɒm.ə.nə/ (noun): Observable events or occurrences especially in a scientific context.
- Comprehension /ˌkɒmprɪˈhɛnʃən/ (noun): The ability to understand something.
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