[ad_1]
Ralph of NASA, one of the most used scientific instruments, will explore the Trojan asteroids of Jupiter aboard the Lucy spacecraft in 2021, announced the US Space Agency.
Ralph has made many discoveries since his launch aboard the New Horizons spacecraft in 2006. Given his name and not an acronym, Ralph allows the study of composition and atmospheres of celestial objects.
In 2021, the shuttle Lucy will carry a twin of Ralph, named Ralph ("Lucy Ralph"), to investigate the Trojan asteroids of Jupiter, remnants of the early solar system, announced NASA in a statement Wednesday.
The suite of L & L instruments will study this diverse group of bodies. Lucy will fly with six Trojans and one asteroid Main Belt, more than any previous asteroid mission.
The ALPH will detect the chemical fingerprints of Trojan asteroids, the statement added. L & # 39; Ralph allows scientists to interpret the data provided by the reflected light from the Sun which are the fingerprints of different elements and compounds.
These data could provide clues about the formation of organic molecules in primitive bodies, a process that could also have led to the emergence of life on Earth.
In a small lightweight and lightweight body structure, Ralph must have many capabilities to maintain the effectiveness of the spacecraft and mission productivity.
Its instrument range includes the Visible Multispectral Imaging Camera (MVIC) and the Linear Imaging Spectral Imaging Network (LEISA), both powered by the same optics. which allows Ralph to observe visible and infrared wavelengths.
These two abilities are what makes Ralph and his cousin the Ralph so special, according to Dennis Reuter, the principal investigator of the instrument for The Ralph.
"Most instruments can image visible or infrared wavelengths, but Ralph can do both," Reuter said.
Compared to Ralph who steals with New Horizons, Lucy's film The Ralph improved technology. It can detect a wider spectrum of electromagnetic radiation and has a moving mirror that reflects light in the Ralph instead of requiring movements of the entire spacecraft.
Ralph's infrared detectors measure 2,000 square pixels, compared to those of New Horizons Ralph 256 x 256, which allows for more detailed images.
<! –
->
Source link
