Planck (spacecraft)

Author: Leandro Alegsa Creation date: November 13, 2022

Planck was a space observatory operated by the European Space Agency (ESA) from 2009 to 2013.

It mapped the anisotropies of the cosmic microwave background (CMB) at microwave and infra-red frequencies, with high sensitivity and small angular resolution.

The mission improved on observations made by the NASA Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe (WMAP). Planck provided a major source of information about cosmology and astrophysics. It tested theories of the early Universe and the origin of cosmic structure.

Since the end of its mission, Planck has made the most precise measurements of several key numbers. These include the average density of ordinary matter and dark matter in the Universe, and the age of the universe. Planck is now switched off.

Questions and Answers

Q: What was Planck?

A: Planck was a space observatory operated by the European Space Agency from 2009 to 2013.

Q: What did Planck observe?

A: Planck mapped the anisotropies of the cosmic microwave background at microwave and infrared frequencies, with high sensitivity and small angular resolution.

Q: How did Planck improve on previous observations?

A: Planck improved on observations made by the NASA Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe.

Q: What was the purpose of Planck's mission?

A: The purpose of Planck's mission was to provide a major source of information about cosmology and astrophysics, and to test theories of the early Universe and the origin of cosmic structure.

Q: What measurements has Planck made since its mission ended?

A: Since the end of its mission, Planck has made the most precise measurements of several key numbers, including the average density of ordinary matter and dark matter in the Universe, and the age of the universe.

Q: Is Planck still operational?

A: No, Planck is no longer operational as it is now switched off.

Q: What significant contribution did Planck make to the field of astrophysics?

A: Planck's mission provided a major source of information about cosmology and astrophysics and made the most precise measurements of several key numbers, contributing significantly to the field of astrophysics.