In 20201 NASA and the University of Arizona will launch the SPARCS small telescope in the search of dim stars that may allow for life. SPARCS, or Star-Planet Activity Research CubeSat, is a portable telescope that measures in at 3.6 inches in diameter and both the telescope and its accompanying camera come equipped with ultraviolet-sensitive detectors. These detectors are pivotal to the design of the SPARCS as it will need the ability to see past the ultraviolet radiation emitted by planets and stars.
The launch of this telescope will play an important part in the search for hospitable planets. Unlike the much larger Hubble telecope, the SPARCS will be able to focus in on M dwarf stars for longer periods of time. The SPARCS small telescope will give researchers insight into where to focus their planet-finding efforts and will be used to train future NASA and ESA researchers at the University of Arizona campus.
Portable Planet-Finding Telescopes
The SPARCS Telescope Will Be Used by NASA to Find Future Earths
Trend Themes
1. Portable Telescopes - The development of small, portable telescopes like SPARCS presents disruptive innovation opportunities by enabling easier and more frequent planet-finding missions.
2. Ultraviolet-sensitive Detectors - The use of ultraviolet-sensitive detectors in telescopes, like the ones used in SPARCS, opens up disruptive innovation opportunities for improved observation and analysis of celestial objects.
3. Planet-finding Efforts - Advancements in planet-finding efforts, driven by the SPARCS small telescope, create disruptive innovation opportunities in the field of astrobiology and space exploration.
Industry Implications
1. Aerospace - The aerospace industry can leverage the development of portable telescopes like SPARCS to enhance space exploration and planet-finding missions.
2. Astronomy - The astronomy industry can benefit from the use of ultraviolet-sensitive detectors, as seen in SPARCS, to enhance observation and research on celestial objects.
3. Education - The education industry can leverage the SPARCS small telescope to provide training and research opportunities for aspiring NASA and ESA researchers.