Gaia Space Observatory:
The European Space Agency (ESA) officially retired its Gaia space observatory. Gaia significantly enhanced our understanding of the Milky Way by creating the most detailed 3D map of the galaxy.
- Gaia (originally Global Astrometric Interferometer for Astrophysics) was a space-based astrometry mission designed to map the Milky Way with unmatched precision.
- Developed and operated by the European Space Agency (ESA).
- Launched In December 2013 and began full-scale operations from July 24, 2014.
- Objective of Mission:
- To chart a three-dimensional map of the Milky Way.
- To track positions, distances, movements, and physical characteristics of over 2 billion stars.
- To predict the galaxy’s future shape and study its formation history.
