PRATUSH
Telescope - SCI & TECH
News:
India’s PRATUSH among
telescopes astronomers want to put on, around the moon
What's
in the news?
●
Astronomers are anticipating the
opportunity to unveil a new perspective on the universe by deploying
high-resolution telescopes on the moon and in orbit around it.
PRATUSH
Telescope:
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PRATUSH (Probing ReionizATion of the Universe using Signals from Hydrogen)
is a radio telescope designed to be
situated on the moon's far side.
Development:
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The telescope is being constructed by the
Raman Research Institute (RRI) in
Bengaluru, with active collaboration from the Indian Space Research
Organisation (ISRO).
Deployment:
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Initially, ISRO will position PRATUSH into
orbit around the Earth.
●
Following adjustments and fine-tuning, the
space agency will subsequently launch it
towards the moon.
Aim:
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It aims to detect signals emitted by the first stars and galaxies, unveiling
the cosmic dawn of the universe.
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It seeks to address questions regarding
the timing of the first stars' formation, the characteristics of these early
stars, and the nature of the light they emitted.
Equipment:
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The telescope will be equipped with a
wideband frequency-independent antenna, a self-calibrating analog receiver, and
a digital correlator.
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These instruments are designed to capture
radio noise within the crucial signal originating from the Dark Ages.
Significance:
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PRATUSH is targeted to achieve instrument
sensitivity at the level of a few millikelvin, without being constrained by any
systematic features.