The consortium led by the National Institute for Astrophysics (INAF) has entered into an agreement with the European Southern Observatory (ESO) for the design and construction of an innovative scientific instrument called ANDES. This device will be installed on the Extremely Large Telescope (ELT) and promises to revolutionize astronomical research.
What is ANDES? What will its applications be?
What is ANDES?
ANDES (ArmazoNes high Dispersion Echelle Spectrograph) is an advanced spectrograph that splits light into different wavelengths, allowing astronomers to analyze the properties of celestial objects, such as their chemical composition. This exceptional instrument will operate in both visible light and near-infrared, ensuring unprecedented performance.
What will its applications be?
It will be used for:
Detailed investigations of the atmospheres of exoplanets: It will be possible to analyze the atmospheric composition of Earth-like planets, looking for traces of life. Study of the first stars in the Universe: It will allow us to detect the signatures of Population III stars, the first stars to form in the Universe. Measurement of physical constants: It will test whether the fundamental constants of physics vary in time and space. Measurement of the expansion of the Universe: It will provide crucial data to better understand the acceleration of cosmic expansion.
This project represents a huge step forward in our understanding of the Universe, enabling discoveries that until now were only hypotheses. The international collaboration and cutting-edge technology of ANDES promise to bring new answers to fundamental questions about the origin and evolution of the cosmos.
What do you think about the potential of ANDES? What discovery are you most curious about?
