Specialists from the Sternberg State Astronomical Institute (GAISh) of Moscow State University named after M. V. Lomonosov have begun developing a unique telescope capable of determining the presence of an atmosphere in exoplanets (planets outside the Solar System). This was announced by Alexander Belinsky, Deputy Director of GAISh for Scientific Work and Prospective Development.
The telescope will have a diameter of about 60 cm. The device will become part of the MSU orbital observatory. It is planned to be launched by 2030.
Exoplanets revolve around other stars and may be of great interest for research.
Synchronous multi-channel observations provide information about the possibility of the existence of an atmosphere (of an exoplanet), and even its approximate parameters. The uniqueness of our telescope will be that we will receive data in several ranges, which will ensure higher accuracy.
Currently, scientists have confirmed the existence of more than 6,000 exoplanets. Experts suggest that some of them may be habitable.
Earlier www1.ru reported that a system for operating telescopes in space conditions was created in Novosibirsk.