Herschel space observatory

摘要

The ESA Cornerstone mission Herschel Space Observatory, devoted to photometric and spectroscopic observations in the far-infrared and submillimetric spectral region, is described. Key scientific objectives are summarized. A concise description of the three focal plane instruments, proposed by International Consortia, is given. These instruments will allow to observe the Universe from high-z epochs down to very nearby objects such as planets and comets.