25/06/2026 04:35 - Tecnologia
An image that redefines our understanding of the cosmos. The Euclid space telescope, operated by the European Space Agency (ESA), achieved what once seemed impossible: capturing the most extensive and precise snapshot of the galactic bulge, the central region of the Milky Way, revealing more than 60 million stars in a single frame.
The galactic bulge is the densest and brightest zone of our galaxy. Historically, astronomers faced enormous difficulties observing it due to the extreme concentration of stars and interstellar dust. Euclid managed to distinguish individual stars even in the most crowded areas.
Although Euclid was designed to study dark matter and dark energy, scientists requested that the telescope dedicate a full day to observing the galaxy's center. The result exceeded all expectations.
This image is not just a cosmic postcard: it is a revolutionary scientific tool. Astronomers will use this data to apply the technique of gravitational microlensing, which allows detection of exoplanets by observing how a star's gravity amplifies the light of another.
When one star passes in front of another, it acts as a cosmic magnifying glass. If that star has a planet orbiting it, the planet's gravity causes small additional variations in the light, revealing its existence.
already identified in the Euclid image, including cold planets similar to the icy world Hoth from Star Wars
The image captured on March 23, 2025 will serve as a comparison point for future observations. Natalia Rektsini, from the Paris Institute of Astrophysics, explained: "From now on, anyone detecting a microlensing event in the same region can use Euclid's data as a temporal reference and see how the stars were before overlapping".
NASA's Roman Space Telescope, planned for launch in late August 2026, will use this image as a baseline to confirm new planetary discoveries.
| Launch: | 2023 |
| Duration: | 6 years projected |
| Main objective: | Dark matter and dark energy |
| Scientists: | More than 2,000 from 15 countries |
Determining an exoplanet's mass is fundamental for evaluating its potential to harbor life. Smaller rocky planets, located near their star, are more promising candidates than gas giants. Euclid's data will allow precise calculations by tracking stellar movement over time.
Sources: Infobae | BBC Mundo | El Trece TV
Alfredo S. Quiroga
