Ultra-precise spatial photometry represents a major advancement in the precise study of light coming from celestial objects. This discipline, once limited to simple visual measurements, has transformed thanks to the integration of sophisticated space technologies and advanced optical instrumentation methods, offering an unprecedented ability to record the light variations of stars and other celestial objects. … Read more
In short, stellar occultations prove to be incredibly effective tools at the service of modern astronomy. By temporarily masking a star with a celestial body, they allow for obtaining exceptionally precise data on the size, shape, and the presence of atmospheres or rings around various objects in the solar system. They play a fundamental role … Read more
Since its launch in late 2013, the Gaia satellite, developed by the European Space Agency (ESA), has revolutionized stellar mapping by providing unprecedented instrumental precision in the measurement of position of stars. By meticulously scanning over a billion stars, Gaia enables the construction of an unprecedented catalogue that exponentially enhances our understanding of the structure … Read more
Very high energy gamma rays play a crucial role in understanding the most extreme and violent astrophysical phenomena in the Universe. This electromagnetic radiation, the most energetic known, is emitted by cosmic objects such as pulsars, supernova remnants, and relativistic jets. Recent studies conducted from observatories like HAWC or large ground-based telescopes now allow us … Read more
Millimeter radio astronomy opens a unique window on the universe by exploiting waves at particularly short wavelengths, located between radio and infrared. This specialized branch of radio astronomy allows the exploration of astrophysical phenomena that are invisible in other spectra, notably thanks to instruments of extreme precision and sensitivity. By analyzing the millimeter radiation emitted … Read more
Far-infrared astronomy opens up new perspectives on understanding the universe in 2025, allowing us to observe phenomena hidden in the visible spectrum. This discipline employs infrared telescopes, often placed in orbit or at high altitudes, to uncover the secrets of interstellar dust, star formation, and explore the cosmology of distant objects. By studying the thermal … Read more
In the vastness of the universe, stars shine with a powerful brightness that often obscures the fascinating phenomena that orbit near them. For astronomers, the major challenge is to dissociate this intense light in order to observe nearby objects and details that are otherwise invisible to the naked eye or with conventional telescopes. This is … Read more
In the field of astronomy, the Earth’s atmosphere presents a major challenge for the precise observation of celestial bodies. Chaotic movements and temperature variations cause atmospheric turbulence, leading to optical distortions that blur the image received by telescopes. Adaptive imaging, or adaptive optics, offers an innovative technological response by allowing real-time correction of these disturbances. … Read more
High-resolution stellar spectroscopy has become an indispensable tool for deciphering the universe and revealing its secrets. By capturing and analyzing the smallest detail in the light emitted by stars, this technique provides access to essential information about the chemical composition, dynamics, and physical properties of celestial bodies. The fine analysis of spectral lines thus allows … Read more
In brief : The fundamentals and the revolution initiated by the detection of gravitational waves Traditional astronomy primarily relies on the observation of electromagnetic waves, such as visible light, X-rays, gamma rays, or radio waves. These photons reveal a multitude of information about celestial objects, but certain phenomena remained inaccessible before the advent of gravitational … Read more