The Italian body for astrophysics research (INAF) has signed an important collaboration with the European intergovernmental observatory in Germany. This agreement involves the integration of an innovative Italian spectroscopic instrument, called Andes, about a giant telescope under construction. But what purpose will the latter serve?
Andes, formerly known as Hires, is a spectroscopic instrument that breaks down electromagnetic radiation in its chromatic components, allowing detailed analyzes of celestial objects and their composition. This spectrograph will offer unprecedented performance in the visible and near-infrared range, thanks to integration with the telescope’s advanced adaptive optical system. This mammoth device will pave the way for new discoveries, allowing us to investigate the gaseous envelopes of planets similar to Earth, in search of possible signs of extraterrestrial life.
Andes will also allow the study of chemical elements present in cosmic objects dating back to the earliest ages of the universe, including the very first stars. It will also provide crucial data to verify any space-time variations of the fundamental physical constants and to directly measure the acceleration of the rate of expansion of the cosmos. In this regard, the Hubble telescope has confirmed previously outlined theories.
INAF is responsible for the general coordination of the project, the software developments and the opto-mechanical realization of some modules. Roberto Ragazzoni, president of the Italian body for astrophysics research, underlines the importance of Andes for the exploration of alien worlds and for the technological developments that will derive from it, opening new frontiers for astrophysics research.
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