properties of dark matter and dark energy

Dark matter and dark energy are two of the greatest mysteries of the universe, perplexing scientists worldwide.  Solving these scientific riddles may require a comprehensive approach in which theories, computations and ground-based observations are complemented by a fleet of spacecraft studying the “dark” universe

 

The European Space Agency (ESA) has adopted Euclid, a space-based dark energy and cosmology research mission, in its Cosmic Vision 2015-2025 program. Euclid will follow the project development schedule set by ESA, with launch currently planned in the 2020 timeframe.

As an ESA-led mission with participation from NASA, Euclid will map the geometry of the dark Universe. Using two cosmological probes—weak lensing and baryonic acoustic oscillations—in a wide-field survey, Euclid will precisely measure the growth of large-scale structure and the expansion history of the Universe.

Mission Objectives
Understanding  the mechanism responsible for the apparent late time acceleration of the expansion of the Universe - dark energy

Test the validity of general relativity on cosmic scales
Investigate the nature and properties of dark matter by mapping the 3-dimensional dark matter distribution in the Universe
Refine our understanding of the initial conditions at the beginning of our Universe, which
seed the formation of the cosmic structures we see today




understand the properties of dark matter and dark energy

Euclid, a planned mission to investigate the profound cosmic mysteries of dark matter and dark energy, has passed its preliminary design review. This clears the way for construction to begin.

Euclid is a European Space Agency mission with important contributions from NASA, including infrared detectors for one instrument and science and data analysis.

Euclid is designed to give us important new insights into the "dark side" of the universe -- namely dark matter and dark energy, both thought to be key components of our cosmos.

Euclid is a European Space Agency mission scheduled for launch in 2020. The Euclid consortium, with important participation from NASA, will provide science instruments and data and science analysis. NASA's Euclid Project Office is based at JPL. JPL will provide the infrared flight detectors for one of Euclid's two science instruments. NASA Goddard will perform detailed testing on flight detectors prior to delivery. The Euclid NASA Science Center is based at the Infrared Processing and Analysis Center (IPAC) at the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena, California. It will support all US investigators, including three teams selected by NASA. Caltech manages JPL for NASA.