Artwork of IRAS in orbit

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Artwork of IRAS in orbit

Artists impression of IRAS in orbit. The Infrared Astronomy Satellite (IRAS) was launched on 25 January 1983. Its primary instrument was a 60cm telescope, cooled to -271 Celsius and operating in the 12- 100 micron infrared waveband. The satellite operated for ten months, completing a survey of 96% of the sky. On its first day of operation, IRAS recorded over 4000 infrared sources, including 20 previously unidentified galaxies. IRAS catalogued 22 comets and 1811 asteroids, discovered methane on Pluto, identifed a dust ring around the star Alpha Lyrae and a collapsing gas cloud thought to be a protostar in the constellation Ophiucus

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Media ID 6447247

© DAVID PARKER/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

Astrophysics In Orbit Infra Red Infrared Astronomy Satellite Satellites Iras

EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases the artwork of IRAS in orbit, providing an artist's impression of this groundbreaking satellite. Launched on 25 January 1983, the Infrared Astronomy Satellite (IRAS) revolutionized our understanding of the universe. Equipped with a remarkable 60cm telescope cooled to a bone-chilling -271 Celsius, it operated within the 12-100 micron infrared waveband. Over its ten-month mission, IRAS conducted an extensive survey covering an astonishing 96% of the sky. On its very first day, it recorded over 4000 infrared sources and unveiled twenty previously unidentified galaxies. The satellite's achievements extended far beyond galactic discoveries; it catalogued 22 comets and identified a staggering number of asteroids—1811 to be precise. IRAS also made significant contributions to planetary science by detecting methane on Pluto—a finding that deepened our knowledge of this enigmatic dwarf planet. Moreover, it revealed a dust ring encircling Alpha Lyrae star and discovered a collapsing gas cloud believed to be a protostar in the constellation Ophiucus. This artistic representation serves as a testament to humanity's relentless pursuit of knowledge about our vast cosmos. It encapsulates not only the scientific marvels achieved through infrared astronomy but also pays homage to IRAS' invaluable contribution towards unraveling some of nature's most profound mysteries. (Photo credit: Science Photo Library)

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