©ESA/Euclid/Euclid Consortium/NASA
Pre-reading questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- What do you think the word “telescope” refers to?
- How do you imagine a telescope works, and what do you think it is used for?
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- distant /DIS-tuhnt/
- capture /KAP-cher/
- enable /en-EY-buhl/
- craft /kraft/
- evolution /ev-uh-LOO-shuhn /
[adjective] – far away
The mountain range appeared distant, shrouded in mist and mystery.
[verb] – to record or take a picture of something using a camera
The photographer captured the essence of the city’s vibrant street life through his lens.
[verb] – to make someone or something able to do something, or to make something possible
The new software update will enable users to access advanced features and improve overall performance.
[verb] – to make objects, especially in a skilled way
The artisan spent hours meticulously crafting a beautiful piece of handmade jewelry.
[noun] – a gradual process of change and development
The theory of evolution posits that species undergo gradual changes over time in response to their environments.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
In July, the European Space Agency (ESA) initiated the Euclid telescope’s cosmic expedition, positioning it a remarkable 1 million miles from Earth. This groundbreaking venture aims to unravel the universe’s mysteries through a detailed 3D map of its hidden “dark side.” Euclid’s distinguishing feature is its vast perspective, spanning an area 100 times broader than NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope. The telescope recently shared its inaugural images, showcasing stellar nurseries, expansive galaxy clusters, and distant stars, providing an unprecedented glimpse into cosmic landscapes.
In its cosmic journey, Euclid explored the Perseus Cluster, located 240 million light-years away, and delved into the secrets of the Hidden Galaxy, IC 342, veiled in dust and gas. Euclid’s precision also scrutinized NGC 6822, an irregular dwarf galaxy from the universe’s early days, revealing intricate details about these celestial enigmas. Named after the ancient Greek mathematician Euclid, he embarks on a six-year mission to survey one-third of the celestial sphere. Using its NISP tool, Euclid captures stunning color images, such as the Horsehead Nebula, 1,375 light-years away. This advanced instrument enables Euclid to surpass the achievements of the Hubble Space Telescope, covering more celestial ground in days than Hubble has in its entire existence. Euclid’s ultimate aim is to craft the most extensive 3D map, offering unparalleled insights into the intricate evolution and composition of the vast cosmic tapestry.
In its cosmic journey, Euclid explored the Perseus Cluster, located 240 million light-years away, and delved into the secrets of the Hidden Galaxy, IC 342, veiled in dust and gas. Euclid’s precision also scrutinized NGC 6822, an irregular dwarf galaxy from the universe’s early days, revealing intricate details about these celestial enigmas. Named after the ancient Greek mathematician Euclid, he embarks on a six-year mission to survey one-third of the celestial sphere. Using its NISP tool, Euclid captures stunning color images, such as the Horsehead Nebula, 1,375 light-years away. This advanced instrument enables Euclid to surpass the achievements of the Hubble Space Telescope, covering more celestial ground in days than Hubble has in its entire existence. Euclid’s ultimate aim is to craft the most extensive 3D map, offering unparalleled insights into the intricate evolution and composition of the vast cosmic tapestry.
Comprehension questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them based on the article.
- What is Euclid’s primary mission in space?
- How does Euclid differ from NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope in terms of perspective?
- What celestial objects did Euclid recently capture in its images, and what did these images reveal?
- Why is Euclid named after the ancient Greek mathematician, and how long is its planned mission duration?
- How does Euclid’s NISP tool contribute to its ability to surpass the Hubble Space Telescope?
Discussion questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever had the opportunity to use a telescope for stargazing or exploration? If yes, could you share a memorable experience? If not, would you be interested in trying it, especially after learning about the Euclid telescope’s discoveries?
- Do you have a favorite celestial object or area in the universe that you find fascinating? If yes, what is it and why? If not, after reading about the discoveries of the Euclid telescope, is there a particular celestial feature mentioned in the article that caught your attention?
- Did you find the information about the Euclid telescope’s capabilities and discoveries intriguing?
- What implications do you think the Euclid telescope’s 3D mapping of the universe might have for our understanding of cosmic evolution and composition? How could this knowledge benefit scientific research and exploration in the future?
- Considering the article’s description of Euclid’s precision in exploring distant galaxies and nebulae, what challenges might astronomers face in interpreting and utilizing the vast amount of data collected by advanced telescopes? How can they address these challenges to maximize the scientific impact of such instruments?