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Observatories and Instruments

Cosmic Background Explorer

Space-Based Observatories

A NASA space telescope launched in 1989 that produced the first detailed map of the cosmic microwave background and confirmed it matched the spectrum expected from the Big Bang with extraordinary precision. The mission earned its principal investigators, John Mather and George Smoot, the 2006 Nobel Prize in Physics.

Facts
Observatory Type
NASA satellite 1
Location
circular Sun-synchronous orbit at 900 km altitude, 99 degree inclination 1
Operational
from 1989 1
Measures
the cosmic microwave background radiation 1
Operating Principle
A cryogenically cooled polarizing Michelson interferometer used as a Fourier transform spectrometer to measure the CMB spectrum 1
Classification
Observing Band
Microwave 1
Connections

Associated With

Big Bang Theory, Concepts

COBE results supported the hot Big Bang model

Cosmic Microwave Background, Concepts

COBE measured the blackbody spectrum of the cosmic microwave background

Operated By

NASA, Space Agencies and Companies
Source Wikipedia (space and spaceflight articles)
Sources
1. Wikipedia: Cosmic Background Explorer
  • Lead section
    The Cosmic Background Explorer (COBE), also referred to as Explorer 66, was a NASA satellite dedicated to cosmology, which operated from 1989 to 1993.
  • Orbit section
    A circular Sun-synchronous orbit satisfied all these requirements. A 900 km (560 mi) altitude orbit with a 99° inclination was chosen as it fit within the capabilities of either a Space Shuttle (with an auxiliary propulsion on COBE) or a Delta launch vehicle.
  • Infobox, launch date
    18 November 1989, 14:34 UTC
  • Overview section
    Its goals were to investigate the cosmic microwave background radiation (CMB or CMBR) of the universe and provide measurements that would help shape the understanding of the cosmos.
  • Instruments section
    a cryogenically cooled polarizing Michelson interferometer used as a Fourier transform spectrometer
  • Instruments list section
    Differential Microwave Radiometer (DMR): Microwave instrument that would map variations (or anisotropies) in the Cosmic microwave background (CMB) radiation
  • In Group: Cosmic Microwave Background Satellites, Lead sentence
    The Cosmic Background Explorer (COBE KOH-bee), also referred to as Explorer 66, was a NASA satellite dedicated to cosmology, which operated from 1989 to 1993.
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Wikipedia (space and spaceflight articles)
Wikimedia FoundationOperated By: NASA, Cosmic Background Explorer
Quote, Operated By: NASA, Cosmic Background Explorer
Operator: NASA
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